Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has approved the employment of 100 unemployed graduates from Biu Local Government Area as part of efforts to reduce youth restiveness, political thuggery and other social vices in the state.

The governor announced the approval on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Biu, Mustapha Mustapha II, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya.

Zulum was in Southern Borno for the official flag-off of the 2026 wet farming season, the commencement of subsidised fertiliser sales for smallholder and returnee farmers, as well as other empowerment initiatives.

The governor said incidents of political thuggery had declined since the beginning of his administration but maintained that providing employment opportunities for young people remains the most effective long-term solution to the problem.

He announced that each local government area in the state would have 50 graduates recruited, while larger councils, including Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere Local Government Area, Bama Local Government Area, Askira/Uba Local Government Area and Gwoza Local Government Area, would each receive 100 employment slots.

Zulum said empowering unemployed youths would reduce their vulnerability to recruitment for criminal activities and political violence, stressing that failure to create opportunities for them would amount to neglect.

He also warned against the destruction of public infrastructure, particularly electricity facilities, stating that anyone found vandalising government property would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The governor appealed to the Emir of Biu and other traditional leaders to support ongoing efforts to tackle drug abuse, gangsterism and related social problems across communities.

He directed the Biu Local Government authorities to identify 100 unemployed graduates, preferably those with qualifications in health-related disciplines, English, Mathematics and Physics, giving priority to youths previously involved in political thuggery for the employment programme.

Zulum also disclosed that the running mate to the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, would be unveiled next week, adding that 27 aspirants had expressed interest in the position. He urged residents of the state to continue praying for the emergence of the most suitable candidate.

(Photo Credit: BusinessDay)