Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the employment of 100 graduates from Biu Local Government Area as part of efforts to address youth restiveness, political thuggery, unemployment and other social vices in the state.
Zulum announced the recruitment during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Biu, Alhaji (Dr.) Mustapha Umar Mustapha II, at his palace on Tuesday.
The governor was in Southern Borno to flag off the 2026 wet farming season, launch the sale of subsidised fertiliser for smallholder and returnee farmers, and participate in other official engagements.
Speaking during the visit, Zulum said incidents of political thuggery had reduced significantly under his administration but stressed that providing employment opportunities for young people remains the most effective way to sustain peace and reduce crime.
He disclosed that the state government plans to recruit 50 graduates from each local government area, while larger councils, including Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Bama, Askira/Uba and Gwoza, would have 100 graduates employed each.
“We are here for the flag-off of the wet farming season and the sale of fertiliser at subsidised rates. I appreciate the people of Biu for their overwhelming support and warm reception,” the governor said.
Zulum noted that empowering unemployed youths would reduce their vulnerability to criminal activities and political manipulation.
“We will be doing a great disservice to our youths if we allow them to remain engaged in political thuggery without creating opportunities for them. The children of prominent politicians are hardly involved in such activities,” he said.
The governor also warned against the vandalisation of public infrastructure, particularly electricity facilities, stating that anyone found responsible would face the full weight of the law.
He called on the Emir and other traditional rulers to support government efforts to tackle drug abuse, gangsterism and other social vices in their communities.
Zulum directed the Biu Local Government Council to identify 100 unemployed graduates—preferably those with qualifications in health-related disciplines, English, Mathematics and Physics, including youths previously involved in political thuggery—for immediate employment.
The governor also disclosed that the running mate to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, would be unveiled next week, noting that 27 aspirants had expressed interest in the position.
He urged residents to pray for the emergence of the most qualified candidate.
The governor was accompanied by the Senator representing Southern Borno, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, the Deputy Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdullahi Musa Askira, APC State Chairman, Hon. Bello Ayuba, commissioners and other government officials.
Source: The Guardian
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