UNICEF, Borno Empower 1,033 Conflict-Affected Children

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Borno State Government, launched a vocational training programme on Wednesday aimed at empowering 1,033 children affected by armed conflict in the state.

UNICEF said the initiative would equip children with practical, market-driven skills such as tailoring, ICT, car mechanics, shoemaking, and carpentry.

The UNICEF Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, who was represented at the launch by UNICEF Child Protection Manager Shah Mohammad Khan, pointed out that many children and adolescents in the region, especially girls, had been denied the chance to learn skills or pursue their dreams due to years of conflict.

“Conflict did not just shrink the national economy; it has crippled personal income and the earning power of families and young people. For too long, many children and adolescents in the region, especially girls, have had their chance to learn a skill or pursue their dreams taken away,” she said.

Speaking further, she said the prolonged insurgency in the Northeast had exposed children to abductions, sexual violence, and other grave violations, while also depriving families of livelihood opportunities.

“Currently, 1,033 children, 567 boys and 466 girls, are benefitting from vocational training centres in Maiduguri, Bama, Biu, Damboa, and Konduga,” she said.

Saeed also stated that the training will combine vocational and life skills, psychosocial support, and official certification to ensure that participants are equipped for sustainable livelihoods.

According to her, the vocational training centres restore not just learning, but hope, dignity, and opportunity for conflict-affected adolescents and their families.

She added, “Each year, over a thousand children will benefit, gain practical skills that open doors to employment and livelihoods. Graduates will not only build brighter futures for themselves but also contribute to peace, recovery, and resilience in their communities.”

In his remarks, the Borno State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abba Wakilbe, commended UNICEF and other UN agencies, including UNDP, IOM, and UNODC, for supporting the initiative.

Wakibe said the programme is life-changing for many children who had been victims of abduction and forced recruitment by insurgents.

He said, “Take a look at this boy, Bukar Modu. He was captured at the age of about nine and was forced to handle weapons and even make locally fabricated bombs. They are examples of children who were forcefully abducted. Therefore, a programme such as this will significantly impact their lives. Let me particularly thank UNICEF for coming to our aid in many of our difficult situations.”

UNICEF, on October 4, 2025, donated Information and Communication Technology equipment to the Sokoto State Operations Coordinating Unit to support social protection activities.

The UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Mr. Michel Juma, while presenting the items on Saturday in Sokoto, said the gesture was aimed at strengthening and ensuring a functional National Social Register for identifying and supporting more poor and vulnerable persons.