Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has flagged off the 2025 Free Annual Transportation Programme during the Christmas season, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to compassion, inclusivity, and people-centred governance.
The programme, which commenced on Sunday, 21 December 2025, will facilitate safe interstate travel during the festive season, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or social background.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on behalf of Governor Zulum, the Chairman of the Implementation Committee, Chief Ugochukwu Egwudike, stated that the initiative was designed to alleviate the hardship faced by low-income earners and vulnerable groups, especially during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Egwudike noted that beyond transportation, the programme aims to promote social cohesion and national unity by reconnecting families separated by economic and security challenges.
Egwudike, who is also the Coordinator of the Ohanaeze APC Support Group, recalled that over the years, the scheme has reunited families who had been unable to travel home for three to five years, enabling them to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones.
He added that during the previous exercise, beneficiaries also received ₦30,000 each, paid directly into their bank accounts to cushion financial pressures and ensure transparency in disbursement.
According to him, the 2025 exercise covers all six geopolitical zones of the country, saying that a total of 320 passengers will be transported safely on day one, 280 on day two, and 150 on day three, with all passengers conveyed safely to their destinations.
“The fourth day of the programme will be devoted to the distribution of palliatives and social support to 300 widows, orphans, and other vulnerable persons,” Egwudike said.
Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State, Apostle Joshua Akeredolu, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, particularly for Christian faithful travelling to celebrate Christmas.
He praised Governor Zulum’s inclusive leadership and offered prayers for his continued success and greater service to humanity.
The Chief of Idoma Community in Borno State, Jonah Odo, described the programme as a practical demonstration of Governor Zulum’s humane and responsive leadership, noting its positive impact on social welfare, interfaith harmony, and national integration.
On behalf of the Idoma community in the State, Odo further appreciated the Governor for his good works for non-indigenes and urged other state governors to emulate Zulum’s gesture for the unification of the country.
The Vice President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the State, Chief Levi Nyia, expressed gratitude to Zulum for the free Christmas transport scheme, saying it has enabled those who could not have travelled home due to the prevailing economic reality to celebrate with their loved ones.
The Free Annual Transportation Programme remains one of the flagship social intervention initiatives of the Borno State Government, providing annual relief and mobility support to thousands of Nigerians nationwide.
