Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has launched a groundbreaking youth empowerment initiative worth N1 billion, aimed at equipping young residents primarily GSM repairers and technicians with skills, tools, and financial support to boost their businesses.
The program targets 1,050 youths, who will undergo intensive training on phone repair and maintenance, while about 3,500 apprentices will receive cash support and working tools to enhance their trade.
Each GSM repair trainee will receive a complete set of modern tools, including an 852D hot air rework station, a separating machine Kc2025, a battery booster S2025 pro, an adjustable temperature soldering iron V900c, a digital multimeter DT9205Plus, and a 60-in-1 precision screwdriver set.
In addition to the tools, all 1,050 trainees will receive direct cash support as seed capital for their ventures.
The disbursement is structured across four categories:
26 beneficiaries receive N1 million each
189 beneficiaries receive N300,000 each
835 beneficiaries receive N100,000 each
3,500 apprentices receive N100,000 each along with various working tools
The training component alone costs N482 million, reflecting the administration’s commitment to capacity building and skills development.
During the launch ceremony, Governor Zulum expressed his satisfaction, saying, “It gives me immense pleasure and a deep sense of fulfillment to stand before you today on this historic occasion the official launch of the N1 billion empowerment scheme alongside the training of operators at the GSM Market here in Maiduguri.”
Zulum also highlighted other human capital initiatives under his administration, including sponsoring 200 youths to study aircraft piloting and aeronautic engineering at Isaac Balami University and supporting around 400 indigenes pursuing postgraduate degrees abroad, as well as 100 youths studying Medicine and related courses in China.
The event was attended by Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan (Borno Central), members of the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly Engr Abdullahi Askira, commissioners, and senior government officials.
This initiative highlights the Zulum administration’s dedication to creating economic opportunities for youths, promoting entrepreneurship, and building human capital in Borno State despite ongoing challenges.