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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
13 Nigerien security forces killed by terrorists in Goubey attack, several injured
By: Zagazola Makama
At least 13 members of the Nigerien security forces were killed in an attack by suspected armed militants on 17 December 2025 in Goubey, located about ten kilometres from Dioundiou in the Dosso region, sources confirmed.
Zagazola learnt that the victims include three police officers, one National Guard attached to the joint departmental and border patrol of Dioundiou, and nine members of the Nigerien Armed Forces (FAN) from the Karakara-based Damissa operation.
One officer from Damissa sustained serious injuries.
In addition, two vehicles were destroyed in the attack, including one belonging to the departmental patrol and another from the Damissa unit.
Security forces have reportedly launched follow-up operations to track the assailants and secure the area.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
13 Nigerien security forces killed by terrorists in Goubey attack, several injured
Woman found dead in Maitama residence, FCT
By Zagazola Makama
A woman has been found dead in her residence at Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Maitama, Abuja
Sources said that Hajiya Fanna Mohd Abare, who had been unresponsive for about two days, was discovered in a decomposed state by her sister, Hajiya Aisha Mongo, on December 17 at about 1700 hours.
The door to the room had been locked, and it was forced open before the body was found.
Police detectives were dispatched to the scene. Due to the advanced state of decomposition and to prevent potential public health hazards, the Abuja Environmental Health Department was contacted, and the body was subsequently evacuated for burial at Gudu Cemetery.
Police sources said “No foul play is suspected in the incident”.
The sources said that investigations are ongoing to officially determine the cause of death.
Woman found dead in Maitama residence, FCT
Cattle rustlers steal 50 cows in Lafiagi in Kogi, as security forces launch search operation
By Zagazola Makama
Fifty cows have been stolen by suspected cattle rustlers in Gbugbu, Lafiagi, Kogi State, the Police Command has reported.
Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred on December 18 at about 1600 hours when two Fulani herders, Hassan and Husseini, both aged 25, were grazing their cattle on the outskirts of Gbugbu. Unknown gunmen attacked the herders and made away with 50 cows.
The report was filed by Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu, 50, and Malam Tijani Ahmed, 62, Secretary of Miyeti Allah, Lafiagi branch.
Following the report, a joint team comprising Army troops, police operatives, Village Guard Network (VGN) and local hunters were mobilized to the scene to comb the surrounding bush for possible recovery of the stolen livestock.
Cattle rustlers steal 50 cows in Lafiagi in Kogi, as security forces launch search operation
13 Nigerien security forces killed by terrorists in Goubey attack, several injured
Woman found dead in Maitama residence, FCT
Cattle rustlers steal 50 cows in Lafiagi in Kogi, as security forces launch search operation
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