Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the employment of 100 unemployed graduates from Biu Local Government Area as part of measures aimed at reducing youth restiveness, political thuggery and other social vices across the state.
The governor made the announcement on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mustapha Umar Mustapha II.
The development was disclosed in a statement released on Wednesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Dauda Iliya.
Zulum was in Southern Borno to officially launch the 2026 wet farming season, flag off the distribution and sale of subsidised fertiliser to smallholder and returnee farmers, and unveil several youth empowerment initiatives.
Speaking during the visit, the governor said although incidents of political thuggery had reduced considerably since he assumed office, sustainable employment remained the most effective strategy for addressing the challenge.
He explained that the recruitment exercise forms part of a broader employment initiative that would benefit unemployed graduates across all local government areas in Borno State.
According to him, every local government area will receive employment slots for 50 graduates, while larger councils, including Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Jere, Bama, Askira/Uba and Gwoza, will have 100 beneficiaries each.
“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.
The governor emphasised that creating employment opportunities for young people would reduce their vulnerability to criminal activities and political manipulation.
He noted that empowering idle youths would discourage them from participating in violence and anti-social behaviour.
“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 stated.
Zulum also expressed concern over the destruction of public infrastructure, especially electricity facilities, warning that anyone caught vandalising government property would face appropriate legal consequences.
He appealed to traditional rulers, particularly the Emir of Biu, and other community leaders to collaborate with government in combating drug abuse, cultism, gangsterism and other forms of criminal behaviour among young people.
“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,” the governor said.
He further directed the Biu Local Government Council to immediately identify 100 unemployed graduates for the recruitment exercise.
According to him, preference should be given to graduates with qualifications in health-related disciplines, English Language, Mathematics and Physics, particularly those who may have previously been associated with political thuggery.
“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 added.
The governor also provided an update on preparations ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.
He disclosed that the running mate to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Engr. Mustapha Gubio, would be officially unveiled next week.
Zulum revealed that no fewer than 27 individuals had expressed interest in the deputy governorship position.
He urged residents of Borno State to continue praying for wisdom and divine guidance in the selection process to ensure the emergence of the most qualified candidate for the office.
