Governor Babagana Zulum on Tuesday unveiled a ₦2.05 billion empowerment package for 2,970 trained youths in Borno State, in what officials described as a significant step in the state’s transition from humanitarian recovery to long-term economic rebuilding after more than a decade of insurgency.
The beneficiaries, drawn from nine modern vocational enterprise institutes and training centres established by the Zulum administration, received starter packs and business kits to facilitate the immediate launch of small and medium-scale enterprises.
The distribution ceremony took place at the Muna Vocational Enterprises Institute in Maiduguri and was attended by senior government officials, lawmakers and stakeholders in technical education.
Addressing participants, Zulum said youth empowerment remains a central pillar of his administration’s development strategy, particularly in a state where years of insecurity disrupted livelihoods and increased youth unemployment.
He stated that the government deliberately prioritised skills acquisition and entrepreneurship as sustainable pathways to restore dignity and rebuild productive capacity. “We remain mindful of the devastating effects of insurgency on our communities,” the governor said. “It became imperative to implement sustainable interventions aimed at creating opportunities and rebuilding productive capacity among our people.”
Since assuming office in 2019, Zulum said his administration has established five major vocational enterprise institutes in Muna, Mafa, Biu, Shani and Magumeri, reactivated nine vocational training centres and introduced three Second Chance Skills Entrepreneurship Schools targeted at women and girls.
According to him, more than ₦40 billion has been invested in the construction, rehabilitation and equipping of vocational institutes, training centres and technical colleges across the state. He noted that the investment forms part of a broader Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) strategy designed to reduce the number of out-of-school youths, promote self-reliance and develop a skilled workforce capable of contributing to both the state and national economy.
The graduates were trained in sectors considered critical to post-conflict reconstruction and market demand, including information technology, construction, plumbing, tailoring, welding and other artisan trades.
Earlier, Commissioner for Education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe, said the initiative reflects the governor’s commitment to equipping conflict-affected youths with practical and entrepreneurial skills. He explained that the programme is embedded within a wider social and economic rebuilding agenda targeting vulnerable groups, particularly young people and women.
The event was attended by the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Professor Idris Bugaje; Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Mohammed Ali Ndume and Kaka Shehu Lawan; Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani; and Acting Chief of Staff, Babagana Mallumbe, among other dignitaries.
With the disbursement of the ₦2 billion starter packs, the Borno State Government signalled a strategic shift from short-term relief to long-term economic empowerment, positioning youth entrepreneurship as a key driver of stability, growth and sustainable peace in the state.
