Youths in Borno South have commended the Borno State Government’s vocational training and starter packs distribution programme, describing it as a vital economic lifeline.

The beneficiaries spoke in separate interviews on Monday at the Borno State Vocational Enterprise Institute in Biu.

They said the initiative was bridging skills gaps, tackling unemployment and empowering young people to become self-reliant and economically productive.

Usman Haruna, a 17-year-old graduate from Hawul Local Government Area, said the training and starter pack would transform his future.

Haruna, the fifth of 11 children, said he arrived in Biu without knowing anyone but was admitted to study tailoring.

 “This will change my life and help me fund my education to higher institutions while supporting my siblings’ educational aspirations,” he said.

He thanked Gov. Babagana Zulum and the Ministry of Education for providing training opportunities and starter packs for youths.

 “I had lost hope because my parents have 11 children. I thought secondary school would be my highest educational achievement.

 “Now my hope has been rekindled because I can work, earn income and fund my education up to university level,” Haruna said.

Another graduate, 23-year-old Jagila Chinampi from Askira Uba, said the programme would enable her to establish a business and earn income.

“Soon I will get married. This training is my biggest empowerment because I will not depend entirely on my husband,” she said.

Chinampi described the initiative as a major empowerment tool for girls, helping them become financially independent and less vulnerable to abuse.

Bintu Ali, a Computer Studies trainee, said she had acquired valuable knowledge in graphic design and other digital skills over six months.

Ali said the training would enable her to start a business before pursuing higher education and reduce financial pressure on her parents.

 “I am grateful Zulum provided this platform. It is helping youths and reducing truancy and involvement in social vices,” she said.

Umar Hassan from Kwaya Kusar Local Government Area said learning carpentry would make him more valuable to his community.

 “We have nobody making furniture in my community, so there is already a market for the skills I have acquired,” Hassan said.

The 18-year-old said he had been uncertain about his future after secondary school before gaining admission into the programme.

 “I thank the state government, Zulum and everyone who contributed to the success of this programme,” he said.

The beneficiaries appealed to the government to sustain and expand the initiative to accommodate more youths across the state.

They stressed that vocational education and entrepreneurship support remained effective tools for reducing unemployment, poverty and crime in communities. 

By Raphael Atuu, Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, has distributed 100 bullocks, heifers and livestock production ancillaries to 52 women and 48 youths in Jigawa State as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the livestock sector, improving food security, creating jobs and enhancing livelihoods across the country.

The empowerment programme, implemented in collaboration with Meteorite Logistics Ltd.

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, who was represented by the Director of Livestock Extension and Business Development, said the initiative demonstrates the commitment of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, to reposition the livestock sector through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Minister stated that, the distribution of quality breeding stock and livestock production inputs is one of the Ministry’s strategic interventions aimed at empowering women and youths to become active participants in the livestock value chain.

He noted that, improving access to productive livestock assets will enhance livestock productivity, increase household incomes, promote entrepreneurship and create sustainable livelihoods in rural communities.

He also noted that, the intervention is more than an empowerment programme, describing it as an investment in the future of Nigeria’s livestock industry. He urged beneficiaries to adopt improved animal husbandry practices, properly manage the animals and expand their herds to maximise the benefits of the programme.

“Use these animals responsibly and ensure that the investment made by the Federal Government yields lasting benefits for your families, your communities and future generations,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Dr. Maryam Rabiu Miko, Jigawa State Coordinator of the Association of Women in Agriculture and Rural Farmers of Nigeria (AWARFA’N), expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Honourable Minister for the intervention.

She described the support as timely, saying the heifer she received would enable her to establish a livestock business, improve her family’s income and contribute to food production.

Also speaking, Umar Usman, who received the items on behalf of his wife, Hannatu Musa, commended the Federal Government for prioritising women and vulnerable households.

He said the intervention would significantly improve their household income and strengthen food security for the family.

Similarly, Ahmed Abubakar, the Jigawa State representative of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), appreciated the Federal Government and the Ministry for extending the programme to livestock farmers in the state.

He said the intervention would support members of the association, improve livestock production and contribute to the development of the sector in Jigawa State.

In his closing remarks, Olorufemi of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the livestock and other items provided.

He described the programme as a landmark intervention following the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and encouraged beneficiaries to nurture the animals, expand their herds and become employers of labour.

“This is not a gift to waste. It is a seed for wealth creation, food security and a stronger livestock economy for Nigeria,” he said.

Officials of the Ministry and Meteorite Logistics Ltd. were on hand throughout the programme to provide guidance to beneficiaries on proper animal husbandry, feeding, breeding and animal healthcare practices to ensure the sustainability of the intervention.

The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development reaffirmed its commitment to implementing programmes and policies that will modernise Nigeria’s livestock sector, improve food security, create employment opportunities, reduce poverty and support the successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Monday, said it has concluded an arrangement to transform the abandoned recreational garden at the Life Camp Roundabout into a modern leisure and sporting facility, as part of the FCT Administration’s broader drive to expand recreational infrastructure for Abuja residents.

Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, revealed this while inspecting the Life Camp Garden in Abuja.

Wike recalled that the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, had motivated the administration to invest more in green and recreational spaces in Abuja.

He described the condition of the Life Camp recreation park as unfortunate, lamenting that successive administrations had neglected a facility with enormous potential.

“It is unfortunate that governments have come and gone without thinking about this place. I must commend the First Lady for reminding us of the need to preserve areas where people can leave their homes and communities to relax,” he said.

According to him, the administration intends to restore the park with modern facilities that will cater for the recreational and sporting needs of residents.

“What we intend to do here is to bring it back and provide modern facilities so that people living within this area can come here for their daily sporting activities, recreation, relaxation, take photographs and enjoy themselves, just as it is done in advanced countries,” he said.

Wike disclosed that he had directed the Federal Capital Development Administration (FCDA) to immediately begin the process of redesigning the facility, stressing that the project would receive emergency attention.

“I have directed the relevant officials of the FCDA to move very quickly and present us with what is most befitting for a city like Abuja. We are going to treat this as an emergency. It cannot go through the normal bureaucratic process because our people deserve better,” he said.

The minister also revealed plans to introduce an annual New Year fireworks display at the Abuja City Gate beginning this year, describing it as part of efforts to align Abuja with global capital cities.

“Just like it is done all over the world, where cities usher in the New Year with fireworks, that is what we intend to do this year at the City Gate. By the grace of God, through the Renewed Hope Initiative, we will, for the first time in this country, celebrate the New Year in that manner,” he said.

Expressing satisfaction with the natural landscape of the Life Camp site, Wike said the administration would engage reputable firms and compare multiple proposals before awarding the contract to ensure the best outcome.

“Look at the topography; see what we have been missing. Citizens want a good life, and they are not asking for too much. The administration of President Bola Tinubu is determined to restore hope to our people. We will invite the best companies and also obtain alternative designs so we can compare and choose the very best. We want something that meets global standards, and we want it delivered as quickly as possible,” the minister said.

The planned redevelopment forms part of the FCT Administration’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life in Abuja by expanding access to green spaces, leisure parks and recreational facilities for residents.