Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has honoured Mrs. Marbel Ijeoma Duaka, a nurse with over 24 years of service at the Primary Healthcare Centre in Mafa LGA, with a fully furnished two-bedroom house and secured employment for her son, Anthony Duaka, at Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri.
Mrs. Duaka, originally from Anambra State, remained on duty throughout the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, earning admiration for her dedication and selflessness. Governor Zulum personally handed over the keys to her new home during a housing allocation ceremony in Mafa.
“She has worked here for 24 years and never left Mafa, not even during the insurgency when many fled,” Zulum said. “She treated many of my family members, including my late mother. Her service deserves to be celebrated.”
The governor also directed that the house be issued in her name and announced automatic employment for her son, a graduate in Banking and Finance.
Mrs. Duaka’s recognition was part of a wider initiative in which 72 teachers and health workers received housing awards for meritorious service across the state.
In 2022, Governor Zulum similarly honoured an Abia-born teacher, Mrs. Obiageli Mazi, with a furnished house for 31 years of exemplary service.
An emotional Mrs. Duaka described the gesture as “the happiest moment of my life,” adding, “The governor sponsored my BSc in Health Education, gave my son a job, and blessed us with a house. I’m truly grateful.”