By Ahmed Liman Kingimi Maiduguri
In a historic stride towards rebuilding hope and resilience in northeast Nigeria, Born State officially launched the Economic Reintegration Programme for children affected by years of armed conflict. The event, held today in Maiduguri, was graced by distinguished officials, royal leaders, international donors, and most importantly, the resilient children and families who stand to benefit from this transformative initiative.
Addressing the gathering, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, the Executive Governor of Born State, emphasized the program’s significance. “Today, we are witnessing a beacon of hope amidst adversity,” he declared. “This initiative is not just about skills; it is about healing, purpose, and rebuilding lives. We are empowering our adolescents—girls and boys alike—to shape a sustainable future for themselves and their communities.”
The programme aims to equip over 1,000 children annually with practical, market-driven skills such as tailoring, ICT, carpentry, shoemaking, and car mechanics across six vocational centers in Maiduguri, Bama, Biu, Damboa, and Konduga. Beyond technical training, participants will receive psychosocial support, life skills, and official certification—key steps toward employment, entrepreneurship, or apprenticeships.
Children, many of whom have endured abductions, sexual violations, and loss of livelihoods, are at the heart of this initiative. Currently, 1,033 children—567 boys and 466 girls—are benefitting from the programme, marking a significant milestone in the region’s recovery efforts. Special attention has been given to ensuring girls receive equal opportunities, fostering gender-inclusive growth and empowerment.
The launch was made possible through robust partnerships, notably with the UNICEF, European Union,, UNDP, IOM, and UNODC, whose collective efforts have driven this initiative forward. The Born State Government, particularly the Ministries of Education and Women Affairs, also played a crucial role in ensuring the programme’s sustainability and community integration.
UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, expressed unwavering commitment to ongoing collaboration. “Together, we are not just launching a programme; we are opening pathways to futures filled with dignity, opportunity, and hope,” she affirmed. “Our goal is to protect children, expand access to education, and foster peace and resilience in northeast Nigeria.”
Looking ahead, officials envision this initiative as a catalyst for lasting change—creating a self-sustaining model that empowers generations of children, helping them rebuild their lives and contribute to regional stability and growth.
As the programme kicks into gear, the message is clear: every child in northeast Nigeria deserves a fair chance to realize their potential. Today’s launch marks a pivotal step toward that brighter future.
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