In response to public outcry, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno has donated the sum of N20,000 ($12.50) and food items to a group of malnourished children in the state after their plight gained attention on social media.

A humanitarian group, the Foundation for Transforming the Youths’ Future, shared photographs of the children, highlighting their lack of care and difficulty accessing education.

“Despite their parents’ best efforts, they lack the resources to provide for their children’s needs. These children are located in Maiduguri, near the Open University on Baga Road,” stated Mohammed Khalid, the chief executive officer of the foundation, in a post soliciting financial assistance for the children.

Mr Khalid also provided account details for donations.

In response, Mr Zulum’s administration reached out to provide relief to the families of the malnourished children.

In a statement issued through the commissioner for women affairs and social development, Zuwaira Gambo, the governor’s office announced the donation of food items to the family in need due to their severe health challenges.

“The family’s situation was dire, characterised by malnutrition and significant health issues, particularly affecting the vision of three children. One child had previously undergone eye surgery in Kaduna,” the statement read.

“The family’s situation was dire, characterised by malnutrition and significant health challenges, particularly affecting the vision of three children. One child had previously undergone eye surgery in Kaduna.

“In response to the situation, the Borno State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, initiated a comprehensive support package,” a statement released by the government read in part.

It further listed the items to include, “50 kg bag of rice, a 50-kg bag of Garin Masara, 50-kg bag of Garin Biski, carton of detergent, 25 litres of cooking oil, 5 mattresses, 5 blankets, Sachets of Maggie, a carton of Vaseline and a cash of N20,000.”

The Borno government further revealed that it has also secured a rented apartment in Shuwari 5 to provide a stable and conducive environment for the family’s recovery and rehabilitation after the father of the children, who lost his business due to the cost of treating his kids before he moved to a dilapidated uncompleted building.

It added, “The government’s intervention has garnered significant attention, with individuals, groups, and associations offering additional support to the family.

“Notably, the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, has dispatched a team to assess the family’s situation and identify areas where further assistance can be provided.

“The family has expressed deep gratitude to the Borno State Governor, Prof. Engr Babagana Umara Zulum, and the Honourable Commissioner, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, for their timely and compassionate response.”