Borno Governor Distributes Christmas Gifts to Vulnerable Christians

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Dec. 23, 2025

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has extended a hand of support to widows and vulnerable members of the Christian community ahead of the 2025 Christmas celebrations.

The governor distributed essential food items to over 6,000 beneficiaries, including 1,605 internally displaced persons (IDPs), each receiving a bag of rice, a carton of spaghetti, and a gallon of cooking oil.

Monday’s exercise forms part of a long-standing policy of annual Christmas support initiated by Governor Zulum since his inauguration in 2019.

In addition, free transportation was provided for Christian residents who are not indigenes of Borno to enable them travel to their ancestral homes for the festive season.

Addressing the beneficiaries, Governor Zulum underscored the importance of peace, unity, and shared prosperity among all Borno citizens, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations.

“It is my sincere hope that the cordial relationship between Muslims and Christians in Borno State continues to thrive. I pray that Almighty Allah blesses our communities and ensures peaceful coexistence between the two religions,” the governor said. He added, “Islamic teachings emphasise simple co-existence with non-Muslims, and I believe the same principle is echoed in the Bible.”

Receiving the governor, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Rev. John Bogna Bakeni, commended the gesture. “Your Excellency’s continuous support demonstrates empathy and inclusion. It gives hope to the Christian community to celebrate Christmas with joy and dignity,” he said.