VSF distributes various starter packs to Borno youths

By Tada JUTHA, Maiduguri

The Victims Support Fund (VSF) has distributed starter packs for various skills acquired by out of school youths in Borno State.

The distribution was to families of deceased District Heads affected in the 12-year Boko Haram insurgency in Borno Emirate Council (BEC).

Presenting the starter packs Thursday in Maiduguri, the Executive Director of VSF, Prof. Nana Tanko disclosed that the vocations and trades skills are to restore the livelihoods of 100 families from 14 Councils in the state.

According to her, the deceased District Heads were targets of deliberate assassination by the Boko Haram terrorists.

“We identified 60 out of school youths and dependents of the deceased District Heads for training in their chosen vocational skills.

“Fifty two out of 60 enrolled into vocational skills training centres have successfully qualified to apply and practice their trades,” she said; stating that the distributed starter packs will ensure their employability in the labour market.

She disclosed that the youths were trained in carpentry, masonry, tailoring and shoe-making to become self-reliant.

Other support of the fund to families of deceased District Heads, include distribution of educational materials to 600 children in primary and secondary schools and inputs for income generating activities.

Besides the educational materials, she added that farm inputs and sewing machines were also provided to 1,000 heads of households and widows of the deceased.

She noted that VSF supports interventions in infrastructural development, healthcare, women empowerment, peace building and research.

Responding, Governor Babagana Zulum disclosed that the fund has adhered to its vision by supporting victims of terrorism in the state.

While representing the Governor yesterday, the Commissioner of Inter-Governmental Affairs, Engr. Kabir Wanori said that the Gen. T. Y. Danjuma Foundation has supported many victims of terrorism with livelihoods in communities.

According to him, there are other interventions to restore governance by rebuilding destroyed public buildings and structures.

He listed the rebuilt structures to include Bulumkutu rehabilitation and health centres, secretariat complexes, police stations and free medical treatment of IDPs at University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).

“You’ve also introduced an alternative foster care for children orphaned by Boko Haram,” he said, as well as unaccompanied and separated children,” he said.

On political thuggery, he said that the State Government is combating thuggery and street begging through cash support to 28,000 youths and physically challenged persons.