Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has disbursed an empowerment package worth N1 billion to thousands of young residents, with a strong focus on GSM repairers and technicians across the state.
The initiative targets 1,050 youths who will undergo training on phone repairs and maintenance, while about 3,000 other apprentices are to receive direct cash support. Each of the 1,050 trainees will be equipped with modern working tools to support their repair activities.
The tool package includes an 852D hot air rework station, a separating machine Kc2025, a battery booster S2025 pro, an adjustable temperature soldering iron V900c, a digital multimeter DT9205Plus and a precision screw driver set 60 in 1. In addition to the equipment, all trainees will receive cash support as seed capital to help them start or expand their ventures.
The N1 billion disbursement is structured into four categories. The first group comprises 26 beneficiaries who will receive N1 million each. The second category includes 189 beneficiaries, each getting N300,000. The third group has 835 beneficiaries who will receive N100,000 each. The fourth category covers 3,500 apprentices, with each receiving N100,000 alongside different calibres of working tools. The training component is valued at N482 million.
Speaking at the launching ceremony held at the GSM Market in Maiduguri, Zulum said, “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 N1 billion empowerment scheme alongside the training of operators at the GSM Market here in Maiduguri.”
The governor recalled other investments by his administration in human capital development. He said, “Only recently, this administration took a bold and visionary step by sponsoring two hundred youths to study aircraft piloting and aeronautic 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.
“So far so good, about 400 Borno state indigenes are pursuing PhDs and master’s degrees abroad. In addition, 100 of our youths are currently 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 senior government officials.
