Zulum empowers 2,970 youths with N2bn starter packs

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has empowered 2,970 youths who completed vocational training across the state, distributing starter packs and business kits worth N2 billion. The event, held at the Muna Vocational Enterprises Institute in Maiduguri, saw beneficiaries drawn from nine modern vocational institutes established by the administration. The centres offer training in […]

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has empowered 2,970 youths who completed vocational training across the state, distributing starter packs and business kits worth N2 billion.

The event, held at the Muna Vocational Enterprises Institute in Maiduguri, saw beneficiaries drawn from nine modern vocational institutes established by the administration.

The centres offer training in high-demand fields including information technology, plumbing, construction, tailoring, welding and other artisan trades.

Addressing the graduates, Zulum reiterated his commitment to youth empowerment, especially for those affected by over a decade of insurgency.

He noted that the crisis disrupted livelihoods, increased unemployment and exposed young people to hardship, making sustainable interventions necessary to restore dignity and rebuild economic capacity.

Since 2019, the state government has established five vocational institutes in Muna, Mafa, Biu, Shani and Magumeri, reactivated nine training centres and created three second-chance entrepreneurship schools for women and girls.

The governor disclosed that over N40 billion has been invested in vocational and technical education infrastructure statewide.

He said the initiative aims to reduce out-of-school youths, promote self-reliance and develop a skilled workforce through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Commissioner for Education, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, described the programme as a product of the governor’s vision to empower conflict-affected youths and vulnerable groups.