Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno launched a N1 billion empowerment scheme on Friday, committing to training 5,000 youths in financial management, digital skills, and customer relations, among other areas.

The governor, while unveiling the scheme with the first batch of 1,050 youths who would be trained as phone repair technicians in Maiduguri, said each would be given a digital microscope for mobile phones as a working tool, alongside cash.

Mr Zulum said the initiative was a strategic investment in human capital development and sustainable economic growth.

He said the initiative goes beyond financial support, noting that it was designed to restore dignity, renew hope, and strengthen the state’s economic base, particularly among youths and small-scale entrepreneurs.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to human capital development, adding that the true wealth of any society lies in the skills, creativity, and determination of its people.

Mr Zulum further told the teeming youths that the scheme was an investment, not a handout, insisting that the beneficiaries must utilise the funds responsibly and serve as mentors within their respective communities.

Of the N1 billion fund, he said 28 beneficiaries under batch A would receive N1 million each, 189 beneficiaries under batch B would receive N300,000 each, and 835 beneficiaries under batch C would receive N100,000 each.

He said that about 3,500 apprentices would be given N100,000 each, while the cost of equipment stood at N451.9 million, with logistics and resource packages costing N31.86 million.

The governor, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to restoring livelihoods and strengthening the economy, said the fund disbursement would commence immediately.

Mr Zulum also promised to initiate a similar scheme for members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and tricycle operators, among others.

He also said that his administration had sponsored youths to study aircraft piloting and aeronautical engineering, adding that more than 400 youths were currently pursuing postgraduate studies overseas.

Earlier, Sainna Buba, the state commissioner for sports and youth development, commended the governor for the initiative, saying beneficiaries were drawn from all 27 local government areas of the state. 

(NAN)