Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State on Thursday disbursed N1 billion to Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) across five Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Borno South Senatorial District.
Speaking at the event in Biu LGA, Zulum said the funds were meant to support entrepreneurs and strengthen business sustainability in rural areas. The beneficiaries were selected from Biu, Hawul, Shani, Bayo, and Kwaya-Kusar council areas.
According to him, 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.”
In addition to the disbursement, the governor announced the immediate employment of 200 young individuals from Biu, explaining that the initiative aims to reduce youth restiveness and promote social stability within the community.
Zulum also inaugurated a fully remodelled Second Chance School in Biu for vulnerable girls and women. He said the facility was designed to help adult women who missed formal education or dropped out of school due to various challenges.
“The school’s curriculum will focus on comprehensive skills acquisition, digital knowledge, and basic literacy and numeracy training,” he said.
During his visit to Biu Specialist Hospital, the governor commended volunteer health workers and announced their immediate and automatic employment, recognizing their commitment to healthcare delivery in the state.
Zulum also inspected the 100-unit teachers’ housing estate under construction in Biu, noting that the project was meant to motivate and retain qualified teachers in public schools.
The governor further directed the immediate rehabilitation of the Borno State Hotel Annexe in Biu to enhance local infrastructure and development.
