The Borno State Government has disbursed N1 billion to small and medium-scale enterprises in five local government areas of Borno South Senatorial District to bolster entrepreneurship and economic recovery.
Okay News reports that beneficiaries hail from Biu, Hawul, Shani, Bayo, and Kwaya-Kusar council areas, with the initiative unveiled in Biu on Thursday.
Governor Babagana Zulum described the capital injection as essential for grassroots development, job creation, and self-reliance in communities rebuilding from years of insurgency.
He emphasised that empowering local businesses strengthens social stability and stimulates rural economies in the post-conflict phase.
The disbursement targets entrepreneurs across various sectors to enhance business sustainability and promote inclusive growth.
Beyond financial support, Zulum announced immediate employment for 200 youths from Biu to address restiveness and provide opportunities.
He inaugurated a remodelled “Second Chance School” offering skills training, digital literacy, and basic education for vulnerable girls and women.
At Biu Specialist Hospital, several volunteer health workers received formal employment to improve service delivery.
The governor inspected an ongoing 100-unit teachers’ housing estate designed to attract and retain qualified educators in public schools.
Zulum also directed immediate rehabilitation of the Borno State Hotel Annexe in Biu as part of broader infrastructure upgrades.
This N1 billion follows previous interventions, including N1 billion grants to 9,403 MSMEs in Biu and Hawul in March 2025 and N450 million palliatives to 45,000 widows and vulnerable women in July 2024.
The sustained focus underscores Borno’s commitment to economic empowerment, human capital development, and reconstruction in insurgency-affected areas.
