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Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has approved the employment of 100 unemployed graduates from Biu Local Government Area to curb political thuggery and other social vices in the state.
Zulum announced the approval on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mustapha Mustapha II.
This was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Dauda Iliya.
He was in Southern Borno for the official flag-off of the 2026 wet farming season, the commencement of fertiliser sales at government-approved subsidised rates for smallholder and returnee farmers, and other empowerment programmes.
The governor said incidents of thuggery had reduced significantly since the inception of his administration, but emphasised that creating employment opportunities for young people remained the most sustainable way to address the challenge.
He 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 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.
He went further to say that empowering unemployed youths was critical to preventing them from being exploited for criminal and political activities.
“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 added.
The governor also warned against the vandalism of public infrastructure, specifically electricity facilities, saying anyone found engaging in such acts would face the full weight of the law.
He urged the Emir of Biu and other community leaders to support the government’s efforts to tackle 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.
Also, Zulum stated that the running mate to the APC governorship candidate, Engr. Mustapha Gubio will be revealed next week, with 27 aspirants having indicated interest in the position.
He urged residents to continue praying for the emergence of the most suitable candidate.
