*increases CJTF, Hunters, Vigilante groups monthly allowance from 20,000 to 30,000
*Gives one month salary to each CJTF, Vigilante Hunters as annual bonus
By; SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri
On Tuesday afternoon, His Excellency Prof. Engr Babagana Umara Zulum, the Executive Governor of Borno State awarded scholarships to 300 orphans of slain CJTF, Hunters and Vigilante groups fighting counter-insurgency.
The Chairman of the 10-man high powered committee, Hon. Barr. Kaka Shehu Lawan in his welcome address, said that it would be recalled that on June 1, 2022, His Excellency, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum set up a committee to look into the fallen heroes families on how to award them with scholarship to continue their education and their welfare.
The committee worked closely with the CJTF and vigilante volunteer groups to get the best results of the exercise where a total of 300 orphans or children families of the fallen heroes were carefully screened and selected for the historic and first if its kind scheme for the fallen heroes who lost their lives while fighting Boko Haram insurgency in complementing the efforts of the Nigerian military in the counter insurgency operations in the state.
He added that the parents and guardians of the slain CJTF and Vigilante Hunters cooperated and supported in the success of the exercise, resulting in the presentation of the 300 orphans for the scholarship and welfare packages.
The chairman also appreciated the efforts and sacrifices as well as the unique support and initiative if the giver or which he described as the first in the history of the state and insurgency 13 years ago, while thanking the committee members for the efforts put in place to see to the success of the exercise.
In his goodwill message, the Theater Commander, JTF Operation Hadin Kai, Theater Command Headquarters Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri, Major General Chris G. Musa commended the governor for his initiative and support to the CJTF, hunters and Vigilante Groups who have been cooperative and complementing the efforts of the military in the fight against Boko Haram insurgency credibly.
General Musa assured the people and government of the state and North East region of the Nigerian military and other security agencies as well as the CJTF and vigilante groups of their determination and commitment to fight the war to an end and bring permanent peace to the state and region.
He further appreciated the governor’s support to the military, while congratulating the CJTF and Vigilante groups as well the families of the slain CJTF and Vigilante groups for benefitting from the state government’s welfare to cushion their hardship and suffering.
Earlier, the Managing Director/CEO, North East Development Commission (NEDC), Alhaji Goni Usman Alkali in his remarks, thanked the governor for his initiative and efforts, while assuring that the commission will continue to play its role on its own part.
He disclosed that educational support to children of the North East, including awards of scholarships to students across board which it had started and the portal is always available and opened for all eligible students to benefit from the scholarship scheme.
Highpoint of the event included the presentation of N300 million cheque to the orphans through the chairman of the committee to few orphans in a symbolic manner and group photographs with some of the orphans.
