Governor of Borno State,Babagana Umara Zulum, has empowered 2,970 youths who completed vocational training programmes across the state, distributing starter packs and business kits valued at over ₦2.05 billion to help them start their own businesses.
The empowerment ceremony took place at the Muna Vocational Enterprises Institute in Maiduguri, where the governor presented the items to the beneficiaries.
The trainees were drawn from nine modern vocational training institutes established across Borno State by the Zulum administration.
The centres provide training in various high-demand skills, including information technology, plumbing, construction, tailoring, welding and other artisan trades.
Addressing the gathering, Zulum reiterated his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, particularly those affected by over a decade of insurgency in the state.
He noted that the insurgency had disrupted livelihoods, increased unemployment and left many young people facing uncertainty and hardship, making it necessary for the government to introduce sustainable programmes that restore dignity and create opportunities.
“It became imperative for the government to implement sustainable interventions aimed at restoring dignity, creating opportunities and rebuilding productive capacity among our people,” the governor said.
Zulum stated that since 2019, the Borno State Government has established five vocational enterprise institutes in Muna, Mafa, Biu, Shani and Magumeri, while also reactivating nine vocational training centres and three second-chance skills entrepreneurship schools dedicated to women and girls.
He added that the institutes prioritise vulnerable individuals, particularly those affected by insurgency, and provide structured training in vocational and technical trades to improve employability and promote economic independence.
The governor further disclosed that his administration had invested over ₦40 billion in the establishment, rehabilitation and equipping of vocational enterprise institutes, vocational training centres and technical colleges across the state.
According to him, the investment is aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school youths, promoting self-reliance and developing a skilled workforce capable of contributing to the state and national economy through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, said the initiative was a product of the governor’s vision to equip young people with practical and entrepreneurial skills.
He explained that the programme forms part of the administration’s broader agenda to promote self-reliance, rebuild livelihoods and empower conflict-affected youths, women and other vulnerable groups.
The event was attended by the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Idris Bugaje; Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Ali Ndume and Kaka Shehu Lawan, as well as the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani, Acting Chief of Staff Babagana Mallumbe and other senior government officials.