The Borno State Government has presented a total of N83 million to parents and guardians of orphans (local volunteers ) of fallen heroes of the Civilian JTF, vigilantes and Hunters, supporting children whose parents lost their lives fighting against the Boko Haram insurgency in the prolonged conflicts.
Bala Isa, the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Government, announced a press briefing to be held in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
According to him, Today’s event marks the closure of a five-year scholarship programme for the 300 children of fallen heroes who died while defending their communities, helping to sustain the children’s educational needs.
He said, ‘Today, we gather not merely to mark the conclusion of a program, but to celebrate a promise kept, a promise made to the families of our fallen heroes.
‘Five years ago, the Borno State Government, under the able and compassionate leadership of Babagana Zulum, took a bold and historic decision. It resolved that the children of those fallen heroes in the fight against insurgency, the gallant men and women of the Civilian Joint Task Force, the Hunters, and the Vigilantes would not be abandoned. Their fathers laid down their lives for our peace; the Government resolved that their children would not be denied a future.
‘Over a period of five years, the Borno State Government has expended the sum of N300,000,000 on this scholarship program for 300 Orphans of late CJTF, hunters and vigilantes. Apart from the N60 million annually approved for the settlement of school fees and other learning materials.
‘This investment was comprehensive. It covered school fees, books, learning materials, uniforms, shoes, school bags, and other logistics required to keep these children in school and to give them a sense of belonging and dignity.
‘This program was not just about paying fees. It was about restoring normalcy to the lives of children who had known tragedy far too early. It was about ensuring that a child who lost his father defending the good people of Borno State could still wear a clean uniform, carry a school bag, and sit in a classroom beside his peers. As we mark the end of this five-year cycle, we must acknowledge those whose efforts have made this program a success.’
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He added: ‘As this five-year program formally comes to an end Today, let me state clearly: the end of this cycle does not mean the end of the Government’s commitment to the children of our fallen heroes. The Borno State Scholarships Board will continue to explore avenues in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation to ensure that support for the children of our fallen heroes is sustained in one form or another.
Baba Shehu Abdulganiyu and a representative of the CJTF echoed these sentiments. They expressed profound gratitude to the government for remembering the children of their fallen colleagues.
Families have commended the initiative, describing it as a lifeline that eased the burden of educating their children through difficult times.
They are, however, calling for continued support as the beneficiaries pursue higher education and new opportunities.