Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has approved N1 billion in grants to support 9,403 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Biu and Hawul Local Government Areas. The initiative, part of the state’s broader economic empowerment strategy, aims to strengthen local businesses, create jobs, and reduce poverty.
Speaking at the grant disbursement ceremony in Biu, Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering small businesses and fostering youth entrepreneurship. He emphasized that the support was a fulfillment of his campaign promises to build a stronger economic foundation for the state.
The beneficiaries include 5,603 entrepreneurs in Biu, who will share N300 million, while 2,000 business owners in Hawul will receive N700 million. Additionally, 1,800 youth and vulnerable families are set to benefit from the initiative. The governor urged recipients to invest the funds wisely to maximize their impact on economic growth and development.
As part of his administration’s broader social investment efforts, Zulum directed the Borno State Social Investment Management Programme (BOSIMP) to identify 2,000 additional vulnerable youths for inclusion in the next phase of the initiative.
Beyond economic empowerment, the governor also laid the foundation for the construction of 600 housing units across five locations in the state. These homes will accommodate teachers and healthcare workers, ensuring improved living conditions for essential public sector employees.
The project will see 100 housing units each built in Biu, Magumeri, Hawul, and Gubio for teachers, while 200 units will be constructed at the Borno State University Teaching Hospital for healthcare workers. The estates will feature essential infrastructure, including clinics, roads, drainage systems, and sports centers, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Governor Zulum reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of civil servants, particularly teachers and health professionals, as part of efforts to enhance public service delivery. He noted that economic empowerment and improved living conditions are key to the long-term rebuilding and development of Borno State.
This latest initiative builds on previous interventions, including the disbursement of N450 million in July 2024 to support 45,000 widows and vulnerable women affected by the Boko Haram crisis. The governor emphasized that while such support provides relief, his ultimate goal is to create opportunities that enable people to become self-reliant and rebuild their livelihoods.
