The Bauchi State Government has awarded the sum of N2.6 million to five elderly people for their selfless services in their various communities.

Speaking during the presentation of cheques to the beneficiaries on Tuesday in Bauchi, Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajara Wanka said the ministry used the occasion of the 2025 World Humanitarian Day to extend the gesture.

According to her, the occasion was to recognise people that gave their services voluntarily to their various communities without being paid.

She said, “We have chosen five people and I’m glad to say that they are all deserving. Two of them were nominated through our radio programme. We presented awards of excellence and a token to five of them to celebrate the 2025 World Humanitarian Day. The one that took the first position which I nominated is the Ward Head of Gwallaga who gave his service to the community, to his people and to humanity.

“He has been there for the community over the years and now that he is old, we felt it’s important to remember people like them,” she said.

The commissioner explained that another beneficiary has been intentional in going to hospitals every day to greet people and also pray for them.

She said, “We felt it’s also important to honour what he has been doing and to let him and other people know that people are watchful of all the good things you do and that is why we honoured him.”

Ms Wanka recounted how another beneficiary has been taking care of a maternity ward constructed in Toro Local Government Area of the state for the past 20 years without being paid.

She noted, “We feel these are the people we should look for on this day and honour them. There is also one other person who has given his service to a Mosque in their locality., He has been taking care of the mosque, keeping it fit and also fetching water for people to perform their ablutions and he is doing other things to help people seeking assistance in that community.’’

Dandada Ahmadu, the Ward Head of Gwallaga, Dandada Ahmadu, was awarded the sum of N1million, Isa Bagali got N700,000, while Babangida Abba got N500,000.

Others included Idris Baba who was awarded N250,000 and Malam Abdullahi who got the sum of N200,000

Mr Bagali, who spoke on behalf of others, appreciated the state government for the kind gesture, adding that they would continue to do their best in helping their communities and the state.