The Director General of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNDC), Dr Asabe Vilita Bashir, has reaffirmed her commitment to youth empowerment and economic independence in Borno State.
Dr Bashir followed her statement of commitment with the distribution of starter packs and equipment to 223 beneficiaries of a special residential vocational skill training program to help kick off their entrepreneurial journey.
The landmark empowerment ceremony, held in Maiduguri, was jointly organised by the Vilita Foundation in collaboration with the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development. It marked the conclusion of an intensive skills training program, which equipped participants in trades such as tailoring, information and communication technology (ICT), catering, solar installation, and energy-efficient stove construction.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr Asabe Vilita Bashir expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah and extended appreciation to the Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, mni, for honouring the event with his presence despite his demanding schedule.
“This initiative is not merely about distributing starter packs,” Dr Bashir said, “it is about igniting dreams, restoring dignity, and celebrating the resilience of our young men and women. These are lifelines and pathways to self-reliance and entrepreneurship.”
She congratulated the 223 graduates for their remarkable discipline, courage, and determination throughout the program, noting that in total, 230 trainees benefited, including those based in Abuja who had earlier received their starter packs.
Dr Bashir further recognised the support of key partners, including the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, which contributed 60 HP laptops and 40 gas cookers; and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which provided 10 laptops and collaborated in ICT training delivery.
Governor Zulum, in his remarks, commended the Vilita Foundation and MBNDC for their efforts in addressing the root causes of insurgency through poverty reduction and wealth creation.
“Yes, Boko Haram insurgency has reduced in magnitude, but to end it completely, we must address the root causes, which include endemic poverty and illiteracy,” the governor said.
“By creating employment and wealth, initiatives like this restore hope and give our youths the opportunity to build a future,” he stressed.
The governor further announced a donation of ₦100,000 each to the 223 beneficiaries to support their entrepreneurial journey.
He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment provided, assuring that the Borno State Government would continue to support programmes aimed at sustainable youth development.
The governor also emphasised the importance of continuous training, encouraging the foundation and partners to expand similar opportunities across all 27 local government areas of the state.
The event was attended by members of the Borno State Executive Council and development partners, whose presence underscored the importance of collaboration in rebuilding lives and communities across the Northeast and Nigeria at large.
The programme, anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda, is expected to enhance social inclusion, economic stability, and resilience among youths, particularly those affected by conflict and displacement.