The European Union (EU) has commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State for his impactful post-conflict recovery efforts, particularly through the establishment of the Muna Vocational Training Institute.
The institute, designed to empower youths affected by the decade-long Boko Haram insurgency, has been hailed as a model for fostering recovery and development.
Leading an EU delegation to Maiduguri, the Head of the EU Mission to Borno, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, praised the initiative’s transformative impact on the state’s residents.
Speaking to journalists, Ambassador Mignot said, “This is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of Governor Zulum’s vision. Vocational training is essential for the youth, and it’s a concept that has proven effective in Europe, especially in Germany.”
Ambassador Mignot reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting Borno State through humanitarian and development projects, emphasizing that the state remains a priority for European cooperation.
Similarly, Karen Jensen, representing the German Ambassador, lauded the inclusivity of the vocational programs, particularly the involvement of women and girls in traditionally male-dominated fields such as welding.
“It’s crucial to involve women and girls in vocational education. What I see here is inspiring,” she stated.
The EU delegation also met Governor Zulum at the Government House, where they reaffirmed their partnership in peace-building initiatives, to be executed in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
On his part, Koffy Dominique Kouacou, the representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Nigeria and ECOWAS, praised Governor Zulum’s efforts in promoting agriculture and strengthening local economies.
Kouacou pledged FAO’s support in enhancing agricultural productivity and building resilient food systems to empower Borno’s communities.
Governor Zulum’s recovery initiatives, as observed by WorldClass247News, have continue to draw international recognition as he prioritizes vocational training, agriculture, and community empowerment to rebuild Borno State.