Zulum Engages 100 Biu Graduates to Combat Youth Restiveness

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has sanctioned the immediate employment of 100 jobless university graduates residing in the Biu Local Government Area. This initiative forms a strategic part of the state government's broader efforts to mitigate youth restiveness, political thuggery, and various other societal ills plaguing the region. Governor Zulum made this significant announcement on Tuesday during his official visit to the revered Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mustapha Mustapha II. The details of this approval were subsequently released in a press statement on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya.

The Governor's visit to Southern Borno was multifaceted, including the official launch of the 2026 wet farming season. During this event, he also commenced the sale of agricultural fertilisers at heavily subsidised government rates, targeting smallholder and returning farmers. Additionally, several other empowerment schemes were introduced to benefit the local populace.

Addressing the issue of public safety, Governor Zulum noted a substantial decrease in incidents of thuggery since the beginning of his tenure. However, he emphasized that providing meaningful employment opportunities for the state's young population remains the most effective and sustainable strategy to permanently tackle such challenges. He further clarified the scope of the employment drive, stating that while each local government area in Borno would see 50 graduates employed, larger councils like the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Bama, Askira/Uba, and Gwoza are slated to receive 100 beneficiaries each.

"We are gathered here today to officially inaugurate the wet farming season and facilitate the distribution of fertilisers at reduced prices," Governor Zulum stated, expressing his appreciation. "I am profoundly grateful to the good people of Biu for their unwavering support and the warm reception they consistently extend to us." He reiterated the crucial importance of empowering unemployed youths, highlighting that such measures are vital to prevent them from being susceptible to exploitation for criminal activities and political manipulation.

The Governor pointed out the stark reality of youth involvement in thuggery. "It would be a grave disservice to our young generation if we permitted them to persist in thuggery without providing avenues for their empowerment," he asserted. He further observed, "One rarely encounters the offspring of prominent political figures, governors, senators, commissioners, or even councillors engaging in political thuggery."

In a stern warning, Governor Zulum cautioned against the destruction of public infrastructure, specifically targeting electricity installations. He stated that any individual apprehended for such acts would face the full force of the law. He also appealed to the Emir of Biu and other community leaders to actively support the government's initiatives aimed at combating drug abuse, gangsterism, and other detrimental social behaviours.

"Your Royal Highness," Governor Zulum implored, "it is imperative that we confront the escalating prevalence of drug abuse, gangsterism, and other social ills if we aspire to leave a better society for future generations." He affirmed the government's ongoing commitment to youth development. "We will continue to invest in our youth. I urge the Biu Local Government to identify 100 unemployed graduates, particularly those with qualifications in health-related fields, English, Mathematics, and Physics, especially if they have been involved in political thuggery, as we are prepared to offer them employment."

On a political note, Governor Zulum also announced that the running mate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, is expected to be unveiled in the coming week. He mentioned that 27 aspirants had previously shown interest in the position. He concluded by urging all residents of the state to continue offering prayers for the emergence of the most suitable candidate.