BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, OCTOBER 08, 2025 | 12:35 PM

A woman who devoted more than two decades of her life to serving the people of Mafa without ever leaving, even at the height of Boko Haram’s insurgency, has been honored by Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.

Mrs. Marbel Ijeoma Duaka, an Igbo health worker from Anambra State, received a fully furnished two-bedroom house and an automatic job offer for her son in recognition of her dedication.

She has worked at the Primary Healthcare Centre in Mafa for over 24 years, remaining in the town even when many residents fled during the insurgency.

'She has been working here for over 24 years and has never left Mafa for a single month,' Gov. Zulum said during a ceremony on Tuesday.

'During the Boko Haram crisis, most people fled the town, but she stayed throughout the conflict despite being a non-indigene. She has treated most of my family members, including my mother.'

To honor her commitment, Zulum handed over the keys to the house and ordered that its allocation be changed from institutional to personal ownership.

'The allocation letter should be issued in your name. Do not leave Mafa, even after you retire,' he added.

The governor also announced automatic employment for her son, Anthony, a Banking and Finance graduate, at Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri.

'Your son, Anthony, will be given automatic employment at the Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri. His employment starts with immediate effect,' Zulum said. Mrs. Duaka was among 72 teachers and health workers who received housing units during the ceremony.

This is not the first time the governor honored non-indigenous workers for their service.

In October 2022, he awarded a housing unit to Mrs. Obiageli Mazi, an Igbo teacher from Abia State, for her 31 years of dedication in Borno State.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Mrs. Duaka described the gesture as the happiest moment of her life.

'Today is the happiest day for me because His Excellency has honored me and appreciated what I have been doing in Mafa. He has been so good to me,' she said.

'He provided me with a scholarship to study BSc in Health Education. Today, he has given my son a job and given me a house. I am truly grateful.'