Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, on Thursday, disbursed N1 billion to Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in five local government areas (LGAs) of Borno South Senatorial District.

Unveiling the disbursement in Biu LGA, the governor said that the funds were intended to support entrepreneurs and enhance business sustainability in rural communities.

The beneficiaries were drawn from Biu, Hawul, Shani, Bayo and Kwaya-Kusar council areas.

Mr Zulum said that the direct injection of capital into the SME sector is essential for driving grassroots development and fostering self-reliance in the post-insurgency recovery phase.

The governor, however, ordered the immediate employment of 200 young individuals from the Biu, saying the Employment was aimed at tackling youth restiveness and promoting social stability in the area.

He also inaugurated a fully remodelled “Second Chance School” for the vulnerable girls and women in Biu.

Mr Zulum stated that the facility was part of a strategic initiative designed to offer adult women, including those who missed formal education or dropped out of school due to prevailing challenges.

The governor said that the school’s curriculum was tailored to provide comprehensive skills acquisition, critical digital knowledge, and basic literacy and numeracy training.

Mr Zulum also visited Biu Specialist Hospital, where he announced the immediate, automatic employment of several dedicated volunteer health workers.

He also inspected the 100-unit teachers’ housing estate under construction in Biu town, saying the facility was a motivational strategy to attract and retain qualified teaching professionals in public schools.

The governor had also directed the immediate commencement of rehabilitation work on the Borno State Hotel Annexe in Biu.

 (NAN)