December 20, (THEWILL) — Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has launched a N1 billion youth empowerment programme targeting thousands of young residents, with a focus on GSM repairers, technicians and apprentices across the state.
Under the initiative, 1,050 youths will undergo training in mobile phone repairs and maintenance, while about 3,500 other apprentices will receive direct cash support and working tools to boost their trades.
Each of the 1,050 GSM trainees will be provided with a complete set of modern repair equipment, including an 852D hot air rework station, a KC2025 separating machine, a S2025 Pro battery booster, an adjustable temperature V900C soldering iron, a DT9205Plus digital multimeter and a 60-in-1 precision screwdriver set.
In addition to the tools, the trainees will also receive cash grants as seed capital to establish or expand their businesses.
The disbursement is structured into four categories: 26 beneficiaries will receive N1 million each; 189 beneficiaries will get N300,000 each; 835 beneficiaries will receive N100,000 each; while 3,500 apprentices will also receive N100,000 each alongside various categories of working tools. The training component of the programme is valued at N482 million.
Speaking at the launch ceremony held at the GSM Market in Maiduguri, Zulum said the initiative was part of his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and human capital development.
“It gives me immense pleasure and a deep sense of fulfilment to stand before you today on this historic occasion—the official launch of the disbursement of a N1 billion empowerment scheme alongside the training of operators at the GSM Market here in Maiduguri,” he said.
The governor highlighted other investments in human capital by his administration, including the sponsorship of 200 youths to study aircraft piloting and aeronautical engineering at Isaac Balami University.
“This initiative is designed to place Borno State on the global aviation map and demonstrate that, despite our challenges, we are preparing our youths for world-class opportunities. The process is almost completed,” he said.
Zulum added that about 400 indigenes of the state are currently pursuing PhD and master’s degree programmes abroad, while another 100 youths are studying Medicine and related courses in China.
The event was attended by the senator representing Borno Central, Barrister Kaka Shehu Lawan; members of the House of Representatives; the Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Engr. Abdullahi Askira; commissioners; and other senior government officials.
