Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called for the implementation of robust skills acquisition programmes, enhanced educational opportunities and scholarship schemes as strategic measures to combat youth restiveness and unemployment in society.

Speaking at the 7th National Council on Youths Meeting (NCYM) held at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Government House in Maiduguri on Thursday, Governor Zulum emphasized the need for governments to prioritize youth development. He described the youth as “future leaders” who require adequate support to fulfill their potentials.

Themed “Transforming and Repositioning the Nigerian Youth to Thrive and Catalyze Economic Development,” the meeting provided a platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration aimed at advancing youth development in Nigeria.

Governor Zulum, the Chief Host of the event, expressed pride in Borno State’s role in hosting the significant gathering.

He highlighted his administration’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment since assuming office in 2019, despite the challenges posed by the prolonged Boko Haram insurgency.

Governor Zulum also underscored the immense potential of Nigeria’s youth population, noting that recent statistics reveal that 70% of the country’s population is under the age of 30. “This demographic is a significant asset, offering the potential for a highly productive economy in the near future,” he remarked.

He noted that since inception into office in 2019 to date, the present administration which has been battling with over a decade old Boko Haram crisis has been very committed to supporting youths through implementation of various initiatives aimed at empowering the youths, which include; provision of vocational training skills programmes, education, scholarships, distribution of Keke Napep, electric motor vehicles, establishing mechanical village at Molai and other entrepreneurship support programmes across the 27 local government areas of the state.

“In our society, the youths have faced numerous challenges, ranging from economic uncertainties, educational barriers and insufficient opportunities among many others.

“However, it is inspiring to see how many of our young people are stepping up, driving change and becoming the architects of their destinies and our tomorrow.”

“It is on record that youths in Borno have greatly contributed to peace and security and the overall socio-economic development of the state. The emergence of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) has brought a great
respite to the security architecture of the state.

“Borno indeed has reclaimed its glorious position of Home of Peace and Hospitality. So please feel at home and enjoy the centuries long hospitality of the good people of Borno State.

“As a government, we recognize that our youth are the backbone of our society and it is our responsibility to provide you with all the necessary support and resources to thrive and develop to your full potentials.

“We believe that investing in our youths is investing in our future and we are committed to creating opportunities for you to grow and be successful”, the governor stated.

He therefore commended the Federal Minister of Youth and Sports Development (FMYD), Mr. Ayodele Olawande, Borno Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Saina Buba, and all other stakeholders for choosing Borno as venue of the meeting, even as he urged participants to feel free and brainstorm critically towards complementing efforts of the government in revamping the future of youths in society.

In his address, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, expressed deep appreciation to Borno State government for hosting the NCYM.

“This meeting reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s collective commitment in advancing the interest of Nigerian Youths in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda,” Olawande said.

He called on other state governors to emulate and follow the good steps of Governor Zulum in revamping the future of youths for the best.

Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Saina Buba highlights the importance of youth in national development.

He said Governor Zulum, who has passion for the youths, has spent billions of naira in establishing 17 skills acquisition centres, sponsored thousands of indigenous students on scholarship in various tertiary institutions within and outside the country, with empowerment and jobs creation for the teeming and vulnerable youth groups across the state.

During the event, the National Youth Workers Association (NYWA) decorated Governor Babagana Zulum with fellowship award and renamed its national headquarters after the governor.

Dauda Iliya
Special Adviser to Borno State Governor
(Media/Spokesperson)