Borno State Government has launched the disbursement of a N1 billion Youth Empowerment Scheme and the training of 1050 youths in GSM repairs and marketing to stimulate post insurgency recovery.
Speaking at the flagging off ceremony at the Sir Ibrahim College of Education, Maiduguri on Friday, , Governor Babagana Zulum described the step as a strategic investment in human capital development and sustainable economic growth, today Friday 19th December 2025.
Zulum said the initiative goes beyond financial support, noting that it is designed to restore dignity, renew hope, and strengthen the economic base of the state, particularly among youths and small-scale entrepreneurs.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to human capital development, stressing that the true wealth of any society lies in the skills, creativity, and determination of its people.
He highlighted key youth-focused interventions, including the establishment of vocational training centres, recruitment of youths into the State Transport Management Agency, and the Rural Youth Empowerment Scheme, which has supported thousands of beneficiaries across the state.
He also noted that his administration has sponsored youths to study aircraft piloting and aeronautical engineering, adding that over 400 youths are currently pursuing postgraduate studies abroad.
The Governor, further said more than 5,000 youths will benefit from the current empowerment programme, which includes training in financial management, digital skills, modern business practices, and customer relations to ensure sustainable impact.
According to him, the scheme is an investment, not a handout, urging beneficiaries to utilize the funds responsibly and serve as mentors within their communities.
He assured that similar organisations, including road transport workers’ associations, will receive government support in due course, while calling on residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
“A breakdown of the ₦1 billion fund shows that 28 beneficiaries under Group A received ₦1 million each, 189 beneficiaries under Group B received ₦300,000 each, 835 beneficiaries under Group C received ₦100,000 each, while about 3,500 apprentices also received ₦100,000 each. The cost of equipment stood at ₦451.9 million, with logistics and resource packages costing ₦31.86 million”, Zulum added.
Governor Zulum expressed confidence that disbursement would commence immediately and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring livelihoods, strengthening the economy, and securing a prosperous future for all.
In his welcome address, the Bormo state Commissioner for Youth Empowerment, Comrade Sainna Buba, commended the Governor for the initiative, noting that the programme covers almost all Local Government Areas of Borno State.
He said the training will be done in 3 batches and that each of the beneficiaries will go home the tools and equipment given to him, in addition to cash support.
In his votes of thanks, the Chairman GSM operators and marketers, Aliko Ahmed thanked the Bormo state government for the gesture, stressing that the training in go along in providing not only livelihood to it’s members but stimulate the economy of the state.
