Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
In a powerful gesture that transcends ethnic and regional divides, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has presented a fully furnished two bedroom house to Mrs. Marbel Ijeoma Duaka, a nurse from Anambra State, in recognition of her unwavering dedication to healthcare delivery in the state for over two decades.
The Governor went a step further by offering immediate employment to her son, Anthony, a Banking and Finance graduate, at the state owned Kashim Ibrahim College of Education in Maiduguri.
The emotional presentation ceremony took place in Mafa Local Government Area, where Mrs. Duaka has served at the local Primary Healthcare Centre for 24 years. Governor Zulum, visibly moved, recounted her exceptional commitment, which saw her remain at her post even during the most violent peaks of the Boko Haram insurgency, a period when many others, including indigenes, fled the town.
“She has been working here for over 24 years and has never left Mafa for a single month,” Governor Zulum stated. “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.”
Highlighting the personal trust and value he places in her service, the Governor issued a directive that the house allocation letter be issued directly in her name. “Do not leave Mafa, even after you retire,” he urged her, underscoring her deep rooted importance to the community.
Turning to her son, the Governor announced, “Your son, Anthony, will be given automatic employment. His employment starts with immediate effect.” This dual reward ensures both immediate security and long term stability for the Duaka family.
Mrs. Duaka was one of 72 teachers and health workers who received housing units during the event, part of the Governors broader initiative to motivate and retain essential frontline workers. This is not the first time Governor Zulum has honoured a non indigene for their service in October 2022, he similarly gifted a house to Mrs. Obiageli Mazi, a teacher from Abia State, after 31 years of service in Borno.
In her heartfelt response, an overwhelmed Mrs. Duaka described the day as the happiest of her life. “Today is the happiest day for me because His Excellency has honoured me and appreciated what I have been doing in Mafa,” she said. “He provided me with a scholarship to study for a BSc in Health Education, today he has given my son a job and given me a house. I am truly grateful.”
This act by Governor Zulum has been widely celebrated as a symbolic testament to national unity, rewarding pure merit and dedication while reinforcing the message that every individual who contributes to the development and well-being of Borno State is valued, regardless of their state of origin.