Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno State, has empowered 2,970 youths who completed intensive vocational training across the state, equipping them for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
The event, held at the Muna Vocational Enterprises Institute in Maiduguri, saw the governor distribute starter packs and business kits valued at ₦2,050,000,000 to the graduates, enabling them to establish their own enterprises immediately.
The beneficiaries were drawn from nine modern vocational training institutes across Borno State, established by the Zulum administration to provide practical skills in high-demand areas such as information technology, plumbing, construction, tailoring, welding, and other artisan trades.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Zulum emphasized his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, especially for those affected by more than a decade of insurgency in the state.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, one of the cardinal priorities of this administration has been youth empowerment and the protection of vulnerable members of our society,” he said. “The insurgency disrupted livelihoods, increased unemployment, and exposed many young people to uncertainty and hardship.
It became imperative for the government to implement sustainable interventions aimed at restoring dignity, creating opportunities, and rebuilding productive capacity among our people.”
Governor Zulum highlighted the growth of vocational training in the state, recalling that five vocational enterprises institutes were established in Muna, Mafa, Biu, Shani, and Magumeri, alongside nine reactivated vocational training centres and three second-chance skills entrepreneurship schools for women and girls.
He noted that the institutes prioritize vulnerable individuals, particularly conflict-affected youths, providing structured training to enhance employability and economic independence.
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“I am pleased to state that this administration has invested over ₦40,000,000,000 in the establishment, rehabilitation, and equipping of vocational enterprises institutes, vocational training centres, and technical colleges across Borno State,” he added.
“This strategic investment aims to reduce the number of out-of-school youths, promote self-reliance, and develop a skilled workforce capable of contributing meaningfully to the state and national economy through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).”
Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, described the programme as a product of Governor Zulum’s vision to empower youths with practical, employable, and entrepreneurial skills, particularly those affected by conflict.
The graduation ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Professor Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE); Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Mohammed Ali Ndume, and Kaka Shehu Lawan; Secretary to Borno State Government Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff Babagana Mallumbe; and other senior government officials.
The initiative marks a major step in restoring livelihoods, promoting self-reliance, and equipping Borno’s youth with the skills needed to rebuild their communities in the aftermath of insurgency.
