Zulum empowers 2,970 Borno youths trained in vocations

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has empowered 2,970 young persons who completed intensive vocational training across the state.

At the event, which took place in Muna Vocational Enterprises Institute, Maiduguri, Zulum distributed starter packs and business kits valued at ₦2,050,000,000 to the graduates, equipping them to establish their own enterprises and become self-employed immediately.

The beneficiaries were drawn from the nine modern vocational training institutes located across Borno State.

The centres, established by the Zulum administration, offer skills in high-demand fields such as information technology, plumbing, construction, tailoring, welding and various artisan trades.

Governor Zulum, while addressing the gathering, reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting young people, particularly those affected by the over 10 years of insurgency in the state.

In his address, the governor stated, “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. We remain mindful of the devastating effects of insurgency on our communities, which 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.”

“It is with great honour and a deep sense of fulfilment that I address this distinguished gathering on the occasion of the graduation and presentation of starter packs to 2,970 trainees drawn from nine vocational enterprise institutes and centres across Borno State.”

The governor recalled that 5 vocational enterprises institutes and smaller centres were established since 2019.

He further stated: “the Borno State Government established five vocational enterprises institutes in Muna, Mafa, Biu, Shani and Magumeri. In addition, we reactivated nine vocational training centres and three second chance skills entrepreneurship schools dedicated to women and girls.”

The governor said the institutes prioritise the enrolment of vulnerable individuals, particularly those affected by insurgency and provide structured training in diverse vocational and technical trades to enhance employability and economic independence.

Still in his address, the governor reiterated, “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.’

According to Governor Zulum, this strategic investment is aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school youths, promoting self-reliance and developing a skilled workforce capable of contributing meaningfully to both the state and national economy through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, had explained Zulum’s vocational training concept, saying, “Your Excellency, permit me to briefly reflect on the origin and evolution of this laudable initiative.

“This programme is a direct product of the visionary leadership and unwavering commitment of Your Excellency, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, whose administration recognised the urgent need to empower our youths with practical, employable and entrepreneurial skills.

“This initiative was conceived as part of Your Excellency’s broader agenda to promote self-reliance, restore dignity and rebuild livelihoods, particularly among conflict-affected youths, women and vulnerable members of our society.”

The event was attended by Professor Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE); Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Mohammed Ali Ndume and Kaka Shehu Lawan; the Secretary to Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani; the acting Chief of Staff, Babagana Mallumbe and many other senior government officials.