Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has empowered 2,970 young persons who completed intensive vocational training across the state with starter packs and business kits valued at over N2 billion.

The governor made the presentation on Tuesday during the graduation at the Muna Vocational Enterprises Institute in Maiduguri.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor also supported the graduates with the necessary equipment and resources in order to establish their own businesses and become self-employed immediately.

NAN reports that the beneficiaries were drawn from nine modern vocational training institutes located across Borno.

The centres, established by the Zulum administration, offer skills in high-demand fields such as information technology, plumbing, construction, tailoring, welding, and various artisan trades.

Zulum, while addressing the gathering, said his administration remains committed to supporting young people, particularly those affected by over a decade of insurgency in the state.

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

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

“It became imperative for the government to implement sustainable interventions aimed at restoring dignity, creating opportunities and rebuilding productive capacity among our people,” the governor said.

He recalled that five vocational enterprise institutes and smaller centres have been established since 2019, including in Muna, Mafa, Biu, Shani, and Magumeri.

In addition, nine vocational training centres and three second-chance skills entrepreneurship schools dedicated to women and girls have been reactivated.

“The institutes prioritise the enrolment of vulnerable individuals, particularly those affected by insurgency, and provide structured training in diverse vocational and technical trades to enhance employability and economic independence,” Zulum said.

He added that the administration has invested over N40 billion in the establishment, rehabilitation, and equipping of vocational enterprises institutes, vocational training centres, and technical colleges across Borno State.

The strategic investment aims to reduce the number of out-of-school youths, promote self-reliance, and develop a skilled workforce capable of making meaningful contributions to the state and national economy through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr Lawan Wakilbe, said that the initiative was conceived to empower youths with practical, employable, and entrepreneurial skills, particularly among conflict-affected youths, women, and other vulnerable members of society.