Nearly eleven million Naira has so far been contributed to a private endowment fund created by Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima to raise contributions fro education of 8 children of his deceased police orderly, Inspector Mohammed Azare who collapsed and died last week Monday at the entrance of Government House in Maiduguri. The late Azare hailed from Gombe State, and was Shettima’s orderly since 2011.
Governor Shettima made a personal donation of N5m to the fund, the State Deputy Governor, Usman Durkwa contributed N1m, Commissioners gathered N2m while chairmen of the 27 local government areas in the State contributed N100,000 each bringing their contributions to N2.7m. The total of N10.7m has so far been raised with donations made privately. Aside the fund, the late orderly’s family was placed on monthly feeding allowance by the Governor.
Shettima also created a small committee that comprised a representative of the late orderly’s extended family, one of his closest friends, and a security official to manage the funds gathered as joint signatory to a dedicated Bank account for the purpose of funding the education of the children over a period of time. The Governor also released fund to an aide to settle all debts the late orderly might be owing anyone in line with Islamic rites. Shettima also directed that the late orderly’s widow be allowed to retain her husband’s accommodation in the Government House till the end of his administration or such a time alternative arrangement is made for them.
A Government delegation was sent to Azare by the Governor last Tuesday to condole with his extended family members. The Governor attended the deceased’s funeral in Maiduguri on Tuesday and received condolences from the Shehu of Borno, the State Executives of the All Progressives Congress, and some officials.
The Governor described the late Azare as one of the finest policemen he had ever known, describing as extremely dedicated and God fearing throughout the time they worked together since his first term of becoming Governor in 2011.
The late policeman was said to spent about 26 years in the force before his death.
