Senator representing Borno South Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, has paid the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration fees for students from Ngoshe community and assured residents of renewed focus on youth employment, empowerment and infrastructural development.
The senator gave the assurances when a delegation from Ngoshe paid him a courtesy visit, during which concerns were raised over youth unemployment, lack of sustainable livelihoods and the increasing migration of young people from the community.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Professor Suleiman Bello recalled Senator Ndume’s long-standing interventions in Ngoshe, noting that the lawmaker had previously mobilised over ₦16 million for community development projects.
He expressed concern that persistent economic hardship had continued to force many youths to leave the area and appealed for stronger measures to reverse the trend.
Professor Bello thanked Senator Ndume for his sustained support, describing the lawmaker as enjoying overwhelming goodwill in Ngoshe and adding that he does not need to campaign to earn the trust and confidence of the people.
In his response, Senator Ndume appreciated the delegation for the visit and commended the Hakimi of Ngoshe and the entire community for their resilience, perseverance and unity despite years of insecurity and socio-economic challenges.
He disclosed that Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the construction of over 51 kilometres of road linking Ngoshe, to be executed through the Ministry of Agriculture.
He described the governor as deeply concerned about the welfare and development of the people.
“The Ngoshe road will be reopened. This will improve access, enhance security and stimulate economic activities in the area,” the senator said.
Senator Ndume reaffirmed that he had settled the WAEC registration fees for students from the community, stressing that education remains a critical investment in Ngoshe’s future. He added that plans were underway to create sustainable employment and empowerment opportunities for youths.
Meanwhile, the Gwoza Youths Community Watch Forum also paid a courtesy visit to the senator and briefed him on the establishment of a functional skills acquisition centre funded through personal donations. The centre targets youths, women, widows, orphans and families of Civilian Joint Task Force members.
The initiative focuses on practical skills such as cap knitting, micro-gardening and other income-generating activities aimed at promoting self-reliance and community stability.
Commending the effort, Senator Ndume praised the youths for their initiative and commitment to development. He urged them to maintain discipline and accountability, while encouraging young people to invest in business ventures and explore productive opportunities.
The senator directed that the association be renamed Gwoza Youths Community Development and registered as a non-governmental organisation to strengthen its operations and expand its impact.
Reflecting on his background, Senator Ndume noted that he spent 20 years as a lecturer at Ramat Polytechnic and has over 23 years of political experience, reaffirming his commitment to youth empowerment and the overall development of Gwoza, Ngoshe and Borno South.
He assured both delegations that their concerns had been duly noted and pledged to follow up on key issues raised, particularly those relating to employment, skills development and community-based empowerment initiatives.
