Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has launched a billion naira empowerment package aimed at strengthening the livelihoods of youths across the state, with special focus on GSM repairers, technicians and trainees.
Under the initiative, 1,050 youth will be trained in phone repair and maintenance, while another 3,000 trainees will receive direct cash support.
Each of the GSM students will receive a complete set of modern work tools to improve their businesses. The equipment includes an 852D hot air rework station, a KC2025 separator machine, an S2025 Pro battery booster, a V900C adjustable temperature soldering iron, a DT9205Plus digital multimeter and a 60-in-1 precision screwdriver set.
In addition to the tools, students will also receive cash support as seed capital to launch their businesses.
The disbursement covers four categories of beneficiaries: the first category comprises 26 beneficiaries, each of whom receives N1 million; the second includes 189 beneficiaries, each of whom receives N300,000; The third consists of 835 beneficiaries, each of whom receives N100,000; while the fourth category covers about 3,500 apprentices, each of whom receives N100,000 along with different calibers of work tools. The total cost of the training program is N482 million.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Maiduguri, Zulum said the program underlines his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and human capital development.
“It gives me immense pleasure and a deep sense of satisfaction to stand before you today on this historic occasion – the official launch of the disbursement of the billion naira empowerment scheme along with the training of operators in the GSM market here in Maiduguri,” he said.
The governor recalled other human capital development initiatives of his administration, including sponsoring 200 youths to study aircraft piloting and aeronautical engineering at Isaac Balami University.
“This initiative is designed to put Borno State on the global aviation map and demonstrate that despite our challenges, we are preparing our youth for world-class opportunities. The process is almost complete,” he added.
Zulum further revealed that about 400 indigenes of Borno State are currently pursuing PhD and Masters programs 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, Eng. Abdullahi Askira; as well as commissioners and other senior government officials.