Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has launched an empowerment package worth N1 billion targeting thousands of young residents, mostly mobile phone repairers and technicians, aimed at enhancing productivity, human capital development, and post-conflict recovery.
The initiative targets 1,050 youths who will be trained in phone repairs and maintenance, while about 3,000 other apprentices will receive cash support.
Each trainee will receive a complete set of modern working tools, including 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 60-in-1 precision screwdriver set to enhance their repair businesses.
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In addition to the tools, all 1,050 mobile phone repair trainees will receive direct cash support to serve as seed capital for their ventures.
Trainees have been categorized into three groups, with the programme designed to develop the skills of young people through digital and innovative methods.
The disbursement comprises four categories: the first group, consisting of 26 beneficiaries, each receiving N1 million; the second group, 189 beneficiaries, each receiving N300,000; the third group, 835 beneficiaries, each receiving N100,000; and the fourth category, 3,500 apprentices, each receiving N100,000 and various calibres of working tools. The total cost of the training is N482 million.
Speaking on Friday during the launch ceremony, 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 N1 billion empowerment scheme alongside the training of operators at the GSM Market here in Maiduguri.”
The governor also highlighted other initiatives by his administration on investment in human capital development.
He said, “Only recently, this administration took a bold and visionary step by sponsoring 200 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, 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 occasion was attended by the senator representing Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan; members of the House of Representatives; the deputy speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Askira; commissioners; and senior government officials.
