Zulum Pledges Massive Job Creation, Skills Training as Shehu of Borno Leads Sallah Homage

Zulum Pledges Massive Job Creation, Skills Training as Shehu of Borno Leads Sallah Homage

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to tackle unemployment and poverty through expanded job creation and vocational training programmes targeting youths and women across the state.

The governor made this known on Saturday while receiving the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, who led members of the Borno Emirate Council on a traditional Sallah homage to the Government House in Maiduguri.

The annual visit, deeply rooted in the emirate’s customs, underscores unity and mutual respect between the traditional institution and the state government.

Welcoming the monarch and his delegation, Zulum emphasised that his administration would scale up empowerment initiatives designed to equip young people with practical skills and sustainable means of livelihood.

“Our government, in collaboration with the State Executive Council, will intensify efforts in job creation and skills acquisition programmes to address poverty and unemployment, especially among our youths,” he said.

He added that the government would continue to deploy both human and material resources toward creating opportunities that can absorb the growing population of unemployed youths in the state.

The governor also appealed for continued prayers and spiritual support from the traditional institution, stressing the importance of collective efforts in sustaining peace and stability in Borno and the country at large.

Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening ties with traditional rulers, describing them as key partners in grassroots governance and community engagement.

He further disclosed ongoing efforts to extend electricity to underserved communities, including plans to connect remaining local government areas to the national grid, with particular attention to border communities around Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.

The governor commended Shehu for his steadfast leadership, especially for remaining in Maiduguri during the height of the insurgency, describing it as a symbol of courage and dedication.

In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno noted that the Sallah homage remains a vital tradition for fostering unity and solidarity with the government and people of the state.

“This visit reflects our enduring commitment to identify with the government and citizens of Borno, particularly during festive periods,” he said.

The monarch acknowledged the developmental progress recorded under the current administration and encouraged the government to sustain its focus on youth empowerment, job creation, and improved security.

The Shehu 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 notable traditional title holders.

In a related development, Governor Zulum also received separate Sallah homage visits from delegations of the University of Maiduguri, Kashim Ibrahim College of Education, Al-Ansar University, and the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri.

The delegations congratulated the governor on the successful completion of Ramadan and expressed sympathy over the recent explosion in Maiduguri.

Responding, Zulum appreciated their visits and reiterated his administration’s continued support for federal institutions operating within the state.