Zulum Empowers 2,970 Youths with N2bn Starter Packs

On a recent occasion, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum empowered 2,970 youths by distributing starter packs worth N2 billion. This initiative followed their completion of vocational training across the state, with beneficiaries drawn from nine modern vocational institutes established by the state government.

The event took place at the Muna Vocational Enterprise Institute in Maiduguri. Zulum emphasized the importance of youth empowerment, particularly in the context of the decade-long insurgency that has disrupted livelihoods and increased unemployment among young people.

He noted that the state government had previously established five vocational institutes and reactivated nine training centers, alongside creating three second-chance entrepreneurship schools for women and girls. Zulum disclosed a total investment of N40 billion in vocational and technical education infrastructure statewide, aimed at reducing school dropouts and promoting self-reliance through skill development.

Lawan Abba Wakilb, representing the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Commission, described the program as a realization of the governor's vision to empower conflict-affected youth and vulnerable groups.