Zulum addressing the people
… disburses cash, palliatives to over 30,000 Ngoshe, Pulka households
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State spent Saturday night coordinating security activities in Pulka town following the recent attacks in Ngoshe, Pulka and other communities in Gwoza LGA of the state.
This is the first time a sitting governor has slept in Pulka, a community 22 kilometres from Gwoza town, the LGA headquarters.
Zulum held a security meeting with the Brigade Commander and other security personnel including the civilian JTF to discuss strengthening security in the general area.
He said leadership is all about commitment and sacrifice which has been the hallmark of his administration since he assumed office.
“Leadership is not about living in your comfort zone and addressing people and their concerns, but coming directly to the doorsteps of the less privileged. This has been my tradition, this has been my culture since I assumed duty as the governor of the state.
“I cannot remember when I lived consecutively for 10 days in my office or even one week since I assumed duty. I’m always in the remote areas attending to people, and I believe this is what we should do from now on to the end of my own administration,” Zulum said while stressing the need to always give rural communities a sense of belonging.
The governor also disbursed cash and other palliative support of food and non-food items to over 30,000 affected households in Ngoshe and Pulka.
“Each male and female heads of household in Ngoshe will receive N30,000, while married women will receive N20,000. In addition, mattresses and clothing will be distributed to both men and women,” Zulum announced.
The governor disclosed that the intervention would also cover Pulka community which has been impacted by the influx of displaced persons from neighbouring areas.
He further acknowledged the support of the Federal Government and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who donated 30,000 bags of 10kg rice to support vulnerable populations in the state.
“Out of the 30,000 bags, Pulka community will benefit from the scheme. We are distributing both food and non-food items not only to Ngoshe but also Pulka, which is also a displacement-affected community,” Zulum noted.
The governor asked people of affected communities to remain patient and cooperate with security agencies, assuring them of sustained efforts by both the federal and state governments to restore lasting peace.
“They should give the necessary cooperation to all security agencies with a view to identifying culprits within the society. Information is a very valuable tool for addressing insecurity. Without the support of the community, insecurity will never end,” he added.
Items distributed include rice, maize, guinea corn, mattresses, and plastic mats.
Those on the governor’s entourage include Sen. Mohammed Ali Ndume, Rep. Ahmed Jaha, Rep Bukar Talba who is the Chairman Palliative Distribution Committee.
Others include the member representing Gwoza state constituency, Commissioner for Local government and that of Transport and Energy as well as Special Advisers and other government officials.
