Borno State Government has approved the annual payment of N40.8 million as Educational Social Assistance for 204 vulnerable youths from Bama who recently gained admission into Kashim Ibrahim University, Maiduguri.
The intervention, approved by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, was formally launched on Wednesday during an official cheque presentation ceremony held at the Borno State Social Investment Programme (BO-SIMP) office in Maiduguri.
Speaking at the event on Wednesday, the General Manager of BO-SIMP, Dr. Lawan Amdan, said the initiative forms a major component of the governor’s broader social protection and recovery agenda aimed at uplifting communities affected by insurgency.
Amdan explained that each beneficiary will receive N200,000 annually, with payments to be made directly into their bank accounts in line with the programme’s accountability and transparency standards.
He said the beneficiaries were identified through the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Bama Chapter, reflecting government’s commitment to grassroots engagement and its resolve to support young people pursuing education despite insecurity-related setbacks.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of the beneficiaries, Chairman of the NYCN Bama Chapter, Comrade Zannah Abba Lawan, lauded Governor Zulum for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Bama youths. He also commended BO-SIMP for its coordination and pledged to ensure effective monitoring of the programme.
Parents of the beneficiaries, local government officials and senior BO-SIMP personnel, including the Director of Administration and Supply, Hajiya Fatima Abba Mani, and the Director of Finance and Accounts, Ahmadu Bello Mamza, attended the ceremony.
The beneficiaries and their parents expressed gratitude to the governor for the life-changing opportunity and pledged to work hard to make the best use of the support.
