Governor Zulum Pledges Expanded Job Creation and Vocational Training for Borno Youths
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to generating additional employment opportunities and broadening vocational training programs specifically targeted at the state's youth and women. This initiative forms a core part of the government's strategy to combat the persistent challenges of unemployment and poverty across the region.
Sallah Homage and Renewed Pledges
Governor Zulum made this significant pledge on Saturday while receiving the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, who paid a traditional Sallah homage at the Government House in Maiduguri. This annual visit by the Borno Emirate Council is a longstanding tradition that symbolizes the deep respect and solidarity between the traditional institution and the state government.
In his address welcoming the monarch and his distinguished entourage, Governor Zulum declared that his administration, in close collaboration with the State Executive Council, would intensify efforts to empower young people. This will be achieved through massive job creation initiatives and comprehensive skills acquisition programs designed to equip them for the modern economy.
"My administration will continue to harness human and capital resources to create more job opportunities and provide vocational training to accommodate the teeming youths of our state," Governor Zulum stated emphatically.
Appeal for Peace and Infrastructure Development
The governor also took the opportunity to appeal to the Shehu to sustain prayers for what he described as enduring peace and stability in Borno State and Nigeria at large. He assured the traditional ruler of the government's continued support for the institution, which he praised as being closest to the grassroots and essential for community cohesion.
Furthermore, Governor Zulum disclosed that ongoing efforts are being made to connect the remaining Local Government Areas to the national electricity grid. This project aims to significantly improve power supply, particularly in rural and border communities neighboring Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, thereby fostering economic activity and improving quality of life.
He commended the Shehu for his remarkable resilience and steadfast leadership, especially for choosing to remain in his palace during the peak of the insurgency, demonstrating unwavering commitment to his people.
Traditional Institution's Support and Broader Engagements
In his response, the Shehu of Borno affirmed that the Sallah homage would continue as a key tradition of the emirate to celebrate with the government and people of the state. "This visit is part of our longstanding tradition to identify with the government and the good people of Borno during festive periods," he explained.
The monarch also acknowledged the notable developmental strides achieved under the Zulum administration and urged the government to sustain its efforts in critical areas such as youth empowerment, job creation, and the security of lives and property. He was accompanied by senior members of the Borno Emirate Council, including the Waziri of Borno, Alhaji Mutawalli Shettima Bukar, the Chief Imam, Imam Idaini, and other esteemed traditional title holders.
Meanwhile, Governor Zulum also received separate Sallah homage delegations from several key institutions within the state. These included representatives from:
- The University of Maiduguri
- Kashim Ibrahim College of Education
- Al-Ansar University
- The Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri
The delegations congratulated the governor on the successful completion of Ramadan and offered condolences regarding the recent bomb blast in Maiduguri. In response, Governor Zulum expressed his sincere appreciation for the visits and reaffirmed his administration's steadfast support for all Federal Government institutions operating within Borno State.
