ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has approved the employment of 100 unemployed graduates from Biu Local Government Area in a bid to tackle youth restiveness, political thuggery and other social vices in the state.
The governor made the announcement on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mustapha Mustapha II, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya.
Zulum was in Southern Borno to officially launch the 2026 wet farming season, begin the sale of subsidised fertiliser to smallholder and returnee farmers, and roll out other empowerment initiatives.
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He noted that incidents of political thuggery had declined significantly since he assumed office but maintained that providing employment for young people remained the most effective long-term solution.
The governor said each local government area in the state would have 50 graduates employed, while larger councils, including Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Bama, Askira/Uba and Gwoza, would each receive 100 employment slots.
“We are here for the flag-off of the wet farming season and the sales of fertiliser at subsidised rates. I am grateful to the people of Biu for the overwhelming support and the warm reception they have always accorded us,” Zulum said.
He stressed that creating jobs for unemployed youths would help prevent them from being recruited into criminal activities and political violence.
“We will be doing a great disservice to our youth if we allow them to continue to engage in thuggery without empowering them. You hardly find the children of prominent politicians, governors, senators, commissioners or even councillors involved in political thuggery,” he said.
The governor also warned against the destruction of public infrastructure, particularly electricity facilities, saying anyone caught vandalising government assets would face the full weight of the law.
He appealed to the Emir of Biu and other traditional rulers to support government efforts aimed at addressing drug abuse, gangsterism and other social vices.
“Your Royal Highness, we must address the rising cases of drug abuse, gangsterism and other social vices if we are to bequeath a better society to the next generation.
“We will continue to invest in our youth. I want Biu Local Government to identify 100 unemployed graduates, preferably those who studied health-related courses, English, Mathematics and Physics, especially among those involved in political thuggery, and we are ready to offer them employment opportunities,” he said.
Zulum also disclosed that the running mate to the APC governorship candidate, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, would be unveiled next week, adding that 27 aspirants had expressed interest in the position.
He urged residents of the state to continue praying for the emergence of the most suitable candidate.