Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, on Friday launched a ₦1 billion youth empowerment scheme in Maiduguri, aimed at equipping 5,000 young people with practical skills in financial management, digital technology, customer relations, and other vocational areas.
Speaking while unveiling the programme, Prof. Zulumsaid the initiative was designed to strengthen human capital development and promote sustainable economic growth in the state.
The governor announced that the scheme would commence with an initial batch of 1,050 beneficiaries, who will be trained as mobile phone repair technicians and supported with working tools and financial assistance. He noted that the beneficiaries were selected from across the state and disclosed that the disbursement of funds under the programme would begin immediately.
According to Prof. Zulum, each of the 1,050 beneficiaries will receive a digital microscope for mobile phone repairs, in addition to financial support to enable them to establish their businesses upon completion of the training.
He described the empowerment scheme as a strategic investment in human capital, aimed at restoring dignity, renewing hope, and strengthening the economic base of Borno State, particularly among youths and small-scale entrepreneurs.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to youth development, the governor said the true wealth of any society lies in the skills, creativity, and determination of its people.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Prof. Zulum stressed that the programme should be regarded as an investment rather than a handout, urging them to utilise the support responsibly and serve as mentors within their communities.
Providing a breakdown of the ₦1 billion fund, he said 28 beneficiaries under Batch A would receive ₦1 million each, 189 beneficiaries under Batch B would be given ₦300,000 each, while 835 beneficiaries under Batch C would receive ₦100,000 each.
He added that approximately 3,500 apprentices would also be supported with ₦100,000 each, while the cost of equipment stood at ₦451.9 million. Logistics and resource packages, he said, would cost ₦31.86 million.
Prof. Zulum further announced plans to roll out a similar empowerment programme for members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), tricycle operators, and other groups.
He also revealed that his administration had sponsored youths to study aircraft piloting and aeronautical engineering, adding that more than 400 young people from Borno State were currently pursuing postgraduate studies overseas.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sainna Buba, commended the governor for the initiative, noting that beneficiaries were drawn from all 27 local government areas of the state.
