Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has approved the employment of 100 unemployed graduates from Biu Local Government Area as part of efforts to curb youth restiveness, political thuggery and other social vices in the state.
The governor announced the initiative on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Biu, Mustapha Mustapha II, at his palace in Biu.
Governor Zulum was in Southern Borno to officially flag off the 2026 wet farming season, launch the sale of subsidised fertiliser to smallholder and returnee farmers, and inaugurate other empowerment programmes.
Speaking during the visit, the governor said his administration had recorded significant progress in reducing incidents of thuggery but stressed that sustainable employment remained the most effective strategy for addressing the challenge.
He disclosed that each of the state’s local government areas would have 50 graduates employed, while larger councils, including Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Bama, Askira/Uba and Gwoza, would receive 100 slots each.
“We are here for the flag-off of the wet farming season and the sales of fertiliser at subsidised rates. I am grateful to the people of Biu for the overwhelming support and the warm reception they have always accorded us,” Governor Zulum said.
The governor maintained that empowering unemployed youths would reduce their vulnerability to exploitation for criminal and political activities.
“We will be doing a great disservice to our youth if we allow them to continue to engage in thuggery without empowering them.
“You hardly find the children of prominent politicians, governors, senators, commissioners or even councillors involved in political thuggery,” he said.
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Governor Zulum directed Biu Local Government to identify 100 unemployed graduates, preferably those with qualifications in health-related courses, English, mathematics and physics, particularly among youths involved in political thuggery, for immediate employment.
He also warned against the vandalisation of public infrastructure, especially electricity facilities, saying offenders would face the full weight of the law.
The governor urged the emir of Biu and other community leaders to support government efforts to combat drug abuse, gangsterism and related social vices.
In a political development, Governor Zulum announced that the running mate to the APC governorship candidate, Mustapha Gubio, would be unveiled next week.
He disclosed that 27 aspirants had expressed interest in the position and appealed to residents to pray for the emergence of the most suitable candidate.
