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

The empowerment ceremony was held on Tuesday at the Muna Vocational Enterprises Institute (MVEI) in Maiduguri, where Governor Zulum distributed business enterprise kits and starter packs to the beneficiaries to enable them establish their own businesses and become self-employed within their communities.

The beneficiaries were drawn from nine modern vocational training institutes located across the three senatorial districts of Borno State.

The institutes, established under the Zulum administration, provide training in high-demand skills such as information and communication technology (ICT), plumbing, construction, tailoring, welding and other artisan trades.

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

“One of the cardinal priorities of this administration has been youth empowerment and the protection of vulnerable members of our society,” the governor said.

“We remain mindful of the devastating effects of insurgency on our communities, which disrupted livelihoods, increased unemployment and exposed many to economic hardship.

This made it imperative for the government to implement sustainable interventions aimed at restoring dignity, creating opportunities and rebuilding productive capacity.”

Zulum noted that since 2019, his administration has established five vocational enterprise institutes in Muna, Mafa, Biu, Shani and Magumeri.

He added that the government has also reactivated nine vocational training centres and set up three second-chance skills and entrepreneurship schools dedicated to women and girls in the southern senatorial district.

According to the governor, the institutes prioritise the enrolment of vulnerable individuals, especially those affected by insurgency, and offer structured training designed to enhance employability and economic independence.

“I am pleased to state that this administration has invested over ₦40 billion in the establishment, rehabilitation and equipping of vocational enterprise institutes, vocational training centres and technical colleges across Borno State,” Zulum said.

He explained that the investments are part of a broader strategy to reduce the number of out-of-school youths, 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, described the programme as a product of the governor’s visionary leadership.

“This initiative reflects the unwavering commitment of His Excellency to empowering youths with practical, employable and entrepreneurial skills necessary for sustainable livelihoods,” Wakilbe said.