Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has empowered 2,970 youths who completed vocational training across Borno State, distributing starter packs and business kits worth ₦2.05 billion to support their transition into self-employment.
The governor presented the items on March 3, 2026, at the Muna Vocational Enterprises Institute in Maiduguri, according to a statement at the event.
The beneficiaries were drawn from nine modern vocational training institutes established by the Zulum administration across the state.
The centres offer training in high-demand skills, including information technology, plumbing, construction, tailoring, welding and other artisan trades.
Addressing the graduates, Zulum said youth empowerment and protection of vulnerable groups remain central to his administration’s priorities.
One of the cardinal priorities of this administration has been youth empowerment and the protection of vulnerable members of our society,” the governor said.
He noted that more than a decade of insurgency disrupted livelihoods and increased unemployment, making sustainable interventions necessary.
“It became imperative for the government to implement sustainable interventions aimed at restoring dignity, creating opportunities and rebuilding productive capacity among our people,” he added.
Zulum recalled that since 2019, the state government established five vocational enterprise institutes in Muna, Mafa, Biu, Shani and Magumeri. He said nine vocational training centres were reactivated, alongside three second-chance skills and entrepreneurship schools dedicated to women and girls.
The governor disclosed that over ₦40 billion has been invested in the establishment, rehabilitation and equipping of vocational institutes, training centres and technical colleges across the state.
According to him, the investment is aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school youths, promoting self-reliance and building a skilled workforce through technical and vocational education and training.
Earlier, the commissioner for education, Engr. Lawan Abba Wakilbe said the initiative was conceived to equip youths, women and other vulnerable groups with practical and entrepreneurial skills.
“This programme is a direct product of the visionary leadership and unwavering commitment of Your Excellency,” Wakilbe said, adding that it was designed to restore dignity and rebuild livelihoods among conflict-affected populations.
The event was attended by Prof. Idris Bugaje, executive secretary of the National Board for Technical Education; 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 officials.
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