By Gbenga Akingbule
Borno Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, on Friday announced that over 4,000 youths from across the state will benefit from ₦1 billion empowerment scheme, which includes training on GSM repairs.
Gatekeepers News reports that the aim of the scheme according to the governor is to empower the youths and make them self-reliant while ensuring they get improved knowledge in the area of GSM repairs
Prof. Zulum disclosed this at Sir Kashim Ibrahim College of Education, venue of the training in Maiduguri, the state capital.
The initiative targets 1,050 youths who will be trained on phone repairs and maintenance, like about 3,000 other apprentices, and will receive cash support
Each of the youths 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 precision screw driver set 60 in 1, to enhance their own repair businesses.
In addition to the tools, all 1,050 GSM repair trainees will receive direct cash support to serve as seed capital for their ventures.
A breakdown of the ₦1 billion fund shows that 28 beneficiaries under Group A received ₦1 million each, 189 beneficiaries under Group B received ₦300,000 each, 835 beneficiaries under Group C received ₦100,000 each, while about 3,500 apprentices also received ₦100,000 each. The cost of equipment stood at ₦451.9 million, with logistics and resource packages costing ₦31.86 million.
Speaking during the launching 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 disbursement of N1 billion empowerment scheme alongside the training of operators at the GSM Market here in Maiduguri.”
The governor also recalled several initiatives by his administration on investment 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.”
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Youth Empowerment, Comrade Sainna Buba, commended the governor for the initiative, noting that the programme covers almost all Local Government Areas of Borno State.
