Borno Governor Empowers Over 2,900 Graduates for Self-Employment 

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has empowered 2,970 graduates of vocational training programmes with business starter packs worth ₦2 billion, in a major initiative aimed at tackling unemployment and poverty across the state.

The empowerment ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Muna Vocational Enterprises Institute (MVEI) in Maiduguri. Governor Zulum personally handed out business kits and starter packs to the beneficiaries, enabling them to establish their own businesses and achieve self-reliance within their communities.

The recipients were drawn from nine modern vocational training institutes spread across Borno’s three senatorial districts. These institutes, set up under the Zulum administration, provide training in high-demand skills such as ICT, plumbing, construction, tailoring, welding, and other trades.

Addressing the graduates, Governor Zulum reaffirmed his commitment to youth empowerment, particularly for those affected by the decade-long Boko Haram insurgency.

“One of our top priorities has always been to empower young people and protect vulnerable members of society,” he said. “The insurgency disrupted livelihoods, increased unemployment, and worsened economic hardship. This made it necessary for the government to implement sustainable programs that restore dignity, create opportunities, and rebuild productive capacity.”

Since 2019, Zulum noted, his administration has established five vocational enterprise institutes in Muna, Mafa, Biu, Shani and Magumeri. In addition, nine vocational centres have been reactivated, and three second-chance skills and entrepreneurship schools for women and girls have been set up in the southern senatorial district.

The governor emphasised that these institutes prioritize vulnerable individuals, especially those impacted by insurgency, and provide structured training to enhance employability and economic independence.

“I am proud to say that we have invested over ₦40 billion in establishing, rehabilitating, and equipping vocational institutes, training centres, and technical colleges across Borno,” Zulum added. “This is part of a broader strategy to reduce out-of-school youth, promote self-reliance, and develop a skilled workforce capable of contributing to both the state and national economy through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).”

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Lawan Abba Wakilbe, hailed the initiative as a reflection of the governor’s visionary leadership. “This programme demonstrates His Excellency’s unwavering commitment to equipping youths with practical, employable, and entrepreneurial skills for sustainable livelihoods,” Wakilbe said.