The Borno State Government has empowered 2,970 young people who completed intensive vocational training across the state, distributing starter packs and business kits valued at ₦2.05 billion to enable them establish their own enterprises.
The empowerment ceremony, held on Tuesday at the Muna Vocational Enterprises Institute in Maiduguri, brought together beneficiaries drawn from nine modern vocational training institutes established across the state.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who presided over the event, said youth empowerment and protection of vulnerable citizens remain central priorities of his administration, particularly in the wake of over a decade of insurgency that disrupted livelihoods and deepened unemployment.
“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,” Zulum said.
He noted that the prolonged insurgency created economic uncertainty for many young people, making it necessary for government to introduce sustainable interventions aimed at restoring dignity, creating opportunities and rebuilding productive capacity.
“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 added while congratulating the 2,970 graduates.
According to Zulum, since 2019, the state government has established five vocational enterprises institutes in Muna, Mafa, Biu, Shani and Magumeri. In addition, nine vocational training centres have been reactivated, alongside three second-chance skills entrepreneurship schools dedicated to women and girls.
The institutes offer training in high-demand sectors such as information technology, plumbing, construction, tailoring, welding and other artisan trades. The governor explained that enrolment prioritises vulnerable individuals, particularly those affected by insurgency, to enhance employability and promote economic independence.
Zulum further disclosed that his administration has invested over ₦40 billion in the establishment, rehabilitation and equipping of vocational enterprises institutes, vocational training centres and technical colleges across Borno State.
He said the investment is part of a broader strategy 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 initiative as a product of the governor’s commitment to equipping youths, women and other vulnerable groups with practical and entrepreneurial skills.
The event was attended by the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Idris Bugaje; Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Mohammed Ali Ndume and Kaka Shehu Lawan; Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Babagana Mallumbe, and other senior government officials.