By Olatunji Omirin, Maiduguri
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Borno state government, has trained a total of 1,033 survivors and repentant Boko Haram terrorists in vocational skills and essential child protection services in six local government areas of the state.
Wafaa Saeed, Country Representative, UNICEF Nigeria, stated this during the “formal launch of the Economic Reintegration Programme for Children Affected by Armed Conflict”, held in Maiduguri on Wednesday.
Wafaa, who was represented by Shah Mohammad Khan, UNICEF Child Protection Manager, stressed that the event underscores the resilient children and families in northeast Nigeria, highlighting the opportunity for the conflict-affected adolescents to acquire practical skills that foster resilience and self-reliance.
He said, “These girls and boys have faced unimaginable challenges, yet their potential and resilience remain unbroken. From technical training to entrepreneurship, this training will equip our adolescent girls and boys with the tools they need to build a better future.
According to the UN agency, a 2024 study commissioned by UNICEF, the economic cost of conflict in Northeast Nigeria has cost the country a staggering $10 billion over the last ten years.
He added, “But the impact of protracted conflict didn’t just shrink the national economy; it has crippled the personal income and earning power of families and young people. For too many children and adolescents in the region, especially girls, the chance to learn a skill or pursue their dreams was taken away.
“Currently, 1033 children (567 boys and 366 girls) are benefiting from vocational skills training and essential child protection services in six government vocational skills training institutions in Maiduguri, Bama, Biu, Damboa, and Konduga.
“They are provided with practical and market-driven skills such as tailoring, ICT, car mechanics, shoemaking, carpentry and more.” Wafaa explained.
He opined that UNICEF remain fully committed to collaborating with government, partners, donors, and local communities to protect children’s education and promote peace.
Lawan Abba Wakilbe, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, thanked the United Nations agencies and partners who have been working on the project for their support.
He assured that the formal launching of the project is a critical step towards restoring hope, dignity and opportunities for thousands of adolescent girls and boys in northeast Nigeria.
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