By Bavoriat Clara
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has reaffirmed his commitment to championing initiatives that support wounded-in-action personnel and the families of military and police officers who lost their lives in the fight against insurgency.
Governor Zulum made the pledge on Monday at the Government House, Maiduguri, while receiving the President of the Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs. Lilian Ogogo Christopher Musa, who led a delegation to launch the Thank You Troops Campaign in Borno State.
DEPOWA — the umbrella body bringing together the wives of Army, Air Force, Navy, and Police officers — is spearheading the campaign to honour the sacrifices of frontline troops, provide assistance to the wounded, and extend care to families of fallen heroes.
Declaring himself a “champion” of the cause, Governor Zulum assured the association of his administration’s readiness to partner with them in supporting the welfare of troops and their dependents.
“I promised to be a champion of this noble cause by identifying with officers and men of the military. My doors are always open to partner with you in supporting the wounded-in-action, widows, and orphans of deceased military personnel, to give them a sense of belonging,” he stated.
The governor reflected on the difficulties faced by troops in displaced communities such as Baga before their resettlement and reiterated his government’s determination to return more communities to stability in support of military gains.
“Let me commend members of DEPOWA for your perseverance. I know the difficulties you face — many times, military or police personnel stay on duty for two to three years without seeing their families. I am a strong advocate of creating avenues for troops to visit their families, because this is very important,” he added.
Governor Zulum expressed deep appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the Theatre Commander, and frontline troops for their gallantry, resilience, and dedication to restoring peace in the Northeast and across Nigeria.
Earlier, DEPOWA President Mrs. Lilian Christopher Musa commended Governor Zulum for his unwavering and practical support to the Armed Forces and security agencies, especially through programmes for widows, orphans, and scholarship schemes for children of the fallen.
“The Thank You Troops campaign is our heartfelt nationwide movement to honour sacrifices, to tell our soldiers — and indeed Nigerians — that their courage is seen, their service is valued, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten. We are starting here in Borno State because this is the heart of the fight, and Your Excellency’s leadership stands as a symbol of resilience,” she said.
Mrs. Musa further pledged DEPOWA’s commitment to complementing government efforts in uplifting the living standards of widows, orphans, youths, and the less privileged, both within and beyond barracks communities.
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