Governor Babagana Umar Zulum of Borno State has said health workers in the employment of the government who agree to work in rural areas would get a 30 per cent increase on their current salaries.
The governor disclosed this at the flag-off of the distribution of N100,000 and food items to elderly people (65 years and older) under the Renewed Hope Initiative of the country’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
The governor said the move was also part of his administration’s drive to support the elderly in every way possible, adding that the state would provide physicians who specialised in treating the elderly in health facilities across the state.
Represented by the commissioner of Health, Prof Baba Malam Gana, the governor noted that a department for the elderly would soon be established in the Borno State University Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri.
Speaking shortly after flagging off the distribution of N100,000 to the elderly, Borno First Lady, Dr Falmata Zulum, who represented the First Lady, said 250 vulnerable elderly citizens aged 65 and above benefited from the support.
She said the gesture was to cushion the effects of the economic hardship and alleviate the burdens of the elderly during the festive season.
“As we approach the festive season, it’s very important to emphasise the significance of prioritising our elderly citizens in our initiative,” she said, urging them to embrace life, prioritise their health, nurture their minds, and strengthen their bonds with loved ones.
