Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, on Friday launched a ₦1 billion Youth Empowerment Scheme for GSM operators in Maiduguri, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in human capital development aimed at restoring the dignity of beneficiaries affected by years of conflict and loss of livelihoods in the state.
The governor said more than 5,000 youths would benefit from the empowerment programme, which includes training in financial management, digital skills, modern business practices and customer relations, to ensure long-term and sustainable impact.
The launch, which took place at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim College of Education Theatre Hall in Maiduguri, marked the official flag-off of the initiative and was attended by thousands of youth beneficiaries who expressed gratitude to the governor.
“This Empowerment initiative is beyond financial support. It is designed to restore dignity, renew hope, and strengthen the economic base of the state, particularly among youths and small-scale,” Governor Zulum said during his address.
He explained that the true wealth of any society lies in the skills, creativity and determination of its people, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to prioritising human capital development as a pathway to economic recovery and stability in post-conflict Borno State.
Governor Zulum recalled several youth-focused programmes implemented by his administration, including the establishment of vocational training centres, the recruitment of youths into the State Transport Management Agency and the Rural Youth Empowerment Scheme, which he said has supported thousands of beneficiaries across the state.
He added that the government has sponsored youths to study aircraft piloting and aeronautical engineering, noting that over 400 youths are currently pursuing postgraduate studies abroad under state sponsorship.
The governor stressed that the GSM empowerment scheme is an investment rather than a handout, urging beneficiaries to utilise the funds responsibly and serve as mentors to others within their communities.
He also assured that similar organisations, including road transport workers’ associations, would receive government support in due course, while calling on residents of the state 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 was put at ₦451.9 million, while logistics and resource packages amounted to ₦31.86 million.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Youth Empowerment, Comrade Saina Buba, commended Governor Zulum for the initiative, noting that the programme covers almost all local government areas of Borno State.
