News
832 Persons Orphaned by Boko Haram Graduate from Vocational School, Gets N1.2b Kits, Grants
832 Persons Orphaned by Boko Haram Graduate from Vocational School, Gets N1.2b Kits, Grants
By: Michael Mike
A total of 832 artisans, mostly orphaned as a result of the over a decade long Boko Haram insurgency, have graduated from the Borno State Enterprise Institute.
The event was presided over by the Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum on Tuesday at the Muna Vocational Enterprise Institute, along the Dikwa-Gamboru highway in Jere Local Government Area.
The trainees were selected from across the 27 local government areas of Borno State and have undergone training in 14 different trades; among them, 54 graduates specialised in aluminium fabrication, 29 in bricklaying, 48 in carpentry and 73 in information technology.
Others include 41 specialising in barbing, 46 in electrical work, 85 in leatherworks, 40 in plumbing, 72 in mechanics, 67 in solar technology, 148 in tailoring, 18 in tie and dye, 59 in welding and 53 in hairdressing.
In his address, Zulum said similar vocational institutes were established in Biu, Shani, Mafa and Magumeri. At the same time, revealing that plans are being made to revive vocational centres in Dikwa, Kaga, Ngala, Gajiram and Monguno.
The governor noted that the vocational institutes were established to address the challenges of youth unemployment and provide a means of livelihood to the people.
He said: “Upon assuming office, one of the primary objectives of my administration has been youth empowerment. We were acutely
aware of the devastating impact of insurgency on our communities, leaving many without means of livelihood and leading to widespread unemployment, idleness, and despair. As
the saying goes, “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.”
The governor added that: “To address these challenges head-on, we established Vocational Enterprise Institutes, focusing on admitting vulnerable individuals, particularly those affected by the insurgency, to equip them with skills for sustainable livelihoods.”
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr Lawan Wakilbe said with funding allocated by Governor Zulum to the Technical and Vocational Enterprises, the output across all centres is targeted at over 4,000 artisans annually.
Meanwhile, the governor has approved the distribution of starter kits worth N847,277,297 to each of the 832 trained artisans in addition to another N349,440,000 one-year labour-intensive public work grant that will help them attain self-reliance.
Zulum also approved N41,600,000, with each 832 graduating artisans getting N50,000.
The governor equally approved automatic employment for the 64 best artisans who have achieved over 90%.
He said: “I understand from the remarks by the Hon. commissioner that 64 out of 832 have scored above 90% in both their specialised trades and the academic assessment. I, therefore, direct that all 64 of them should be employed and deployed to other vocational institutes across the state.”
Zulum also ordered the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation to process modalities for converting Muna Vocational Enterprises Institute to a Monotechnic with the capacity to award a National Diploma.
832 Persons Orphaned by Boko Haram Graduate from Vocational School, Gets N1.2b Kits, Grants
News
Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets
Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets
Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, the Chief of Naval Staff on Thursday inaugurated six blocks of renovated classrooms and newly constructed toilets at Central Primary School, Mayo-Belwa Local Government, Adamawa State.
Abbas, who was represented by the Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek, said the project was a special intervention scheme and cooperate social responsibility of the Nigeria Navy to give back to the community.
According to him, the project is being executed by the Rear Adm. Abdulhamid Baba-Inna, the Navy Secretary in his hometown in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to use the facilities responsibly for maximum benefit.
In his remarks, Baba-Inna, said the project was to improve the learning environment to be conducive for the pupils and teachers.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, this project aligns squarely with the Nigeria Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation and Relations framework.
“We recognise that our effectiveness is not measured solely by operational successes at sea or on the battlefield but also by the strength of our relationship with the people we serve.
“Projects such as this are deliberate efforts to build trust, foster goodwill and strengthen the bond between the military and civil society”, he said.
According to him, the classes and offices were provided with tables and chairs as well as the solar power light to enhance safety and security in the school.
Baba-Inna urged the pupils and teachers to take ownership of the project for maximum benefit.
In his remarks, Mr Adiyal Kurdah, Member I, Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB), expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Navy for such a project.
He said the project would significantly improve enrollment, retention and quality education in the area.
Alhaji Ardo Bamanga, District Head of Mayo-Belwa, described the project as a good legacy that would help to shape the character of children to be responsible citizens in future.
The event featured presentation of learning materials to pupils, tree planting, cultural displays and awards presentations.
Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets
News
Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army
Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring peace, have repelled an attack by unidentified gunmen in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on May 5 at Rim general area.
According to the source, troops deployed at the location came under sporadic gunfire from unknown assailants.
He said the troops swiftly responded and engaged the attackers, forcing them to withdraw from the area.
“Troops successfully repelled the attack, and the criminals fled,” the source said.
The source added that follow-up patrols had been intensified to track the fleeing attackers and prevent further security breaches in the area.
Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army
News
Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up
Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, met with the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Lagos on Tuesday during which he discussed opportunities for his state’s local creators to link into the value chain.
Zulum’s administration, since 2019, has pushed to diversify Borno’s economy while also creating a conducive environment for business and investment.

The governor, who was received by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, alongside Executive Director, Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar, had paid a similar high-level visit to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) last year.
At the NSC meeting, Zulum had pushed for the fast-tracking of the Maiduguri Dry Inland Port; a landmark project designed to bring port services closer to the northeast.
Once operational, the dry port will create thousands of jobs, generate significant internal revenue and boost Borno’s overall economic activity by reducing logistics costs and decongesting coastal ports.

In a related development, Zulum’s administration is also working to fully establish the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Banki, a border town neighbouring the Republic of Cameroon, with the process already at an advanced stage.
By simultaneously advancing the Dry Inland Port in Maiduguri and the Free Trade Zone in Banki, Zulum is putting in place a coherent strategy to industrialise Borno, create jobs, generate revenue and permanently shift the state’s economy away from over-reliance on monthly federal allocations.
Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up
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