BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, DECEMBER 25, 2025 | 09:57 AM

The Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has recorded major achievements between January and December 2025, strengthening social protection for women, children, persons living with disabilities, and vulnerable households across the state.

The interventions aligned with the administration of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, focusing on inclusion, empowerment, and protection of at-risk populations.

Economic vulnerability among women and girls remained a major challenge during the period under review.

To address this, the ministry supported over 10,000 women and vulnerable girls with food items, non-food materials, and cash stipends to reduce poverty and dependency.

Child vulnerability, especially street involvement, continued to pose protection risks in urban centers.

The ministry rescued, rehabilitated, and reintegrated more than 200 orphaned and vulnerable children, including street children, hawkers, and those living in unsafe environments.

Rescued children received medical screening, food, clothing, and temporary shelter before entering structured rehabilitation programs.

Children who could not be safely reunited with their families were placed in foster care, accredited child-care facilities, or enrolled in the ministry’s Temporary Learning Programs.

All enrolled children are currently attending primary and secondary schools under full state government scholarships.

Regular oversight visits were conducted to orphanages and children’s homes to ensure compliance with child welfare standards.

Humanitarian pressures linked to displacement and flooding affected thousands of households in Maiduguri and Jere.

The ministry provided food, clothing, hygiene kits, and shelter assistance to more than 5,000 displaced households during the year.

Families affected by flooding received mosquito nets, sanitary materials, cooking items, and shelter support to ease immediate hardship.

Persons living with disabilities continued to face barriers to economic participation and inclusion.

The state government, through BOGIS and with support from ICRC, provided land for a disability skills hub, which is nearing completion.

On December 3, 2025, 250 persons living with disabilities received N200,000 each under the Renewed Hope Initiative.

The ministry also sponsored the Annual Peace Prayer Gathering organized by disability groups to promote unity and stability in Borno State.

Family instability and gender-based violence remained persistent social concerns.

The ministry supported the weddings of 25 orphaned and vulnerable girls by providing household items, bedding, and accommodation assistance.

During the period, the ministry’s GBV Response Unit managed 60 reported cases, offering survivors medical care, legal assistance, psychosocial counseling, and safe shelter.

Referral systems and coordination with relevant agencies were strengthened to ensure timely support for survivors.

Community awareness gaps continued to affect child protection and women’s rights.

Town hall meetings and sensitization sessions were held in MMC, Jere, Konduga, and Kaga to address GBV prevention, child protection, and family health.

International Women’s Day and Children’s Day were marked with activities involving schools, civil society groups, and community stakeholders.

The ministry also enhanced coordination through strategic workshops and partnerships.

Key engagements included the Borno Reintegration Workshop and a GBV Response and Referral Pathways Workshop involving government agencies, traditional leaders, and development partners.

Institutional capacity was strengthened through infrastructure upgrades.

The Women Development Centre in Maiduguri was renovated with training rooms, solar power systems, improved water supply, and modern facilities.

Construction also commenced on a Safe House for GBV survivors to provide counseling, vocational training, and legal support.

As part of the DDRR initiative, the ministry managed transit centers for surrendered ex-combatants, women, and children.

More than 3,000 beneficiaries received psychosocial support, temporary education, and vocational skills training to support reintegration.

The government also began renovation of the Maiduguri Blind Workshop alongside upgrades to ICT services.

The ministry said the achievements reflect sustained commitment to protecting vulnerable groups and strengthening social stability in Borno State.