BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, DECEMBER 18, 2025 | 06:50 PM

For many Christian widows in Borno State, the Christmas season often arrives with mixed emotions of faith, loss, and financial strain.

This year, however, the season came with relief for 600 widows who received cash and food support from the First Lady of Borno State, Associate Professor Falmata Babagana Umara Zulum.

The intervention, carried out in Maiduguri on Thursday, formed part of activities marking the 2025 Christmas season and reflected the state government’s focus on inclusive social welfare.

Each beneficiary received ₦50,000 in cash, a 25-kilogram bag of rice, a carton of spaghetti, and cooking oil.

Speaking during the distribution, the First Lady described Christmas as a time for compassion, reflection, and shared humanity.

She said the support was meant to ease hardship and affirm the dignity of widows who continue to shoulder family responsibilities despite personal loss.

Associate Professor Zulum praised the resilience of the women, describing them as pillars of hope whose faith and perseverance inspire society.

She stressed that the initiative underscores the commitment of the Borno State Government to care for all citizens, regardless of religion or background.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Zuwaira Gambo, described the intervention as timely and meaningful.

She said the gesture went beyond material assistance, symbolizing unity, care, and social inclusion at a period that calls for togetherness.

Hon. Gambo noted that improving peace and stability in many communities has allowed families to begin rebuilding their lives.

She assured that the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development will continue to partner with the Office of the First Lady to support women, protect children, and strengthen families across the state.

As the exercise concluded, prayers were offered for peace, comfort, and renewed hope, with the widows expressing gratitude for support that brought warmth and reassurance during the Christmas season.