By:Abdullahi Inuwa
For many Christian families in Borno State, this Christmas season came with more than celebration—it came with relief, dignity, and a safe journey home. The Borno State Government has successfully concluded the third and final day of its 2025 Free Yuletide Transportation Exercise, drawing the curtain on a programme that has quietly become a symbol of unity and compassion in the state.
Implemented through the Ohaneze APC Support Group, the initiative was first introduced in 2020 following the directive of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, as part of deliberate efforts to promote peaceful coexistence, inclusiveness, and religious harmony. Now in its sixth edition, the programme has grown into a lifeline for those who might otherwise struggle to travel during the festive season.
This year alone, over 1,000 Christian commuters benefitted from free transportation and financial support, journeying safely across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to reunite with loved ones. Beyond the buses, the gesture reached even deeper—no fewer than 300 widows and other vulnerable persons are set to receive palliative assistance, ensuring the season brings comfort to those most in need.
Speaking during the exercise, Chairman of the Ohaneze APC Support Group, Ugochukwu E. Egwudike, praised the Zulum-led administration for its unwavering commitment to peace and social cohesion. He described the programme as a powerful reminder that governance, at its best, is about empathy and shared humanity.
For beneficiaries, the impact was personal. Smiles, prayers, and words of gratitude flowed freely as travellers described the support as timely and deeply compassionate. Many commended Governor Zulum for consistently standing by the values of religious tolerance and humanitarian service, especially during sensitive festive periods.
Over the years, the free transportation exercise has become a defining feature of Borno’s yuletide calendar—quietly reinforcing the message that despite differences in faith or background, the people of the state remain one community.
As the final buses rolled out, one truth stood clear: in Borno, Christmas journeys are not just about reaching a destination, but about strengthening the bonds that hold the state together.
About The Author
