Borno’s Fashion Hub, a Lifeline for 48,000 Youths Annually
By Zagazola Makama
In the heart of Maiduguri, the capital of insurgency-stricken Borno State, hope is taking root in the form of an ambitious project: the Borno State Fashion Hub. Inaugurated as part of the 6th Expanded National MSME Clinics, the hub is more than just a facility; it is a symbol of economic recovery and a lifeline for the state’s youth, promising to create 48,000 jobs annually.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who unveiled the hub during the event, described it as a cornerstone of the Federal Government’s efforts to empower Nigerians, especially in regions like Borno that have borne the brunt of insurgency for over a decade.
“This hub is among the largest ever established by the Federal Government. It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to support the fashion manufacturing cluster in Borno State. Beyond its economic potential, it represents hope for thousands of young people who will benefit from its capacity to create up to 48,000 jobs annually,” Shettima said.
The Vice President explained that the project is part of a broader initiative to enhance the MSME ecosystem across the country, providing young Nigerians with opportunities to innovate and build sustainable businesses.
The fashion hub is not merely a workspace but a center for creativity and learning. Its design incorporates modern equipment and resources to support entrepreneurs in the production of garments, accessories, and other fashion-related items.
More importantly, it offers a platform for skill acquisition, mentorship, and access to markets. These elements are critical to equipping young people with the tools they need to succeed in the fashion industry and contribute to the region’s economic revival.
“This initiative is not just about creating jobs but also about empowering our youths to realize their potential. By developing their skills, they can build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the prosperity of Borno State and Nigeria as a whole,” Shettima said.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, whose administration has consistently prioritized human capital development, lauded the Federal Government for the initiative.
Zulum emphasized that projects like the fashion hub align with his government’s inclusive approach to addressing unemployment and economic challenges.
“MSMEs are the backbone of any economy, and in Borno State, they represent a critical pathway to recovery. The fashion hub, along with other initiatives such as soft loans, modern markets, and vocational training centers, demonstrates our commitment to rebuilding the state’s economy and empowering our people,” Zulum said.
The governor highlighted the resilience of Borno’s entrepreneurs, who have faced immense challenges due to insurgency and broader economic instability.
“This hub will revitalize business activities, create employment opportunities, and increase income sources for our people. It is a testament to the creativity and resilience of the entrepreneurs in Borno State,” Zulum added.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and MSMEs, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson, also commended the Borno State Government for its commitment to ensuring the success of the MSME Clinic and the Fashion Hub.
Adekunle-Johnson described the hub as a groundbreaking initiative that will position Borno State as a leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.
“We worked hand in hand with the Borno State Government to deliver this initiative. It is not just a federal or state project—it is a collective effort to uplift the MSMEs in this state and empower the youths to contribute meaningfully to the economy,” she said.
Adekunle-Johnson highlighted key government interventions to support MSMEs, such as the recently upgraded loan ceiling under the Federal Government’s MSME initiative.
“Previously, MSMEs could access loans of up to N1 million under this scheme, but President Bola Tinubu has graciously increased this amount to N5 million for businesses with bankable proposals. This will ensure that entrepreneurs in Borno State and across the country can scale up their operations,” she added.
Adekunle-Johnson further announced that states hosting the MSME Clinics are eligible to compete for the MSME Awards, which recognize outstanding businesses with cash prizes and other incentives. She challenged entrepreneurs in Borno to rise to the occasion, adding that the state is already on a path to winning these prestigious awards.
Youth unemployment is one of the most pressing challenges in Borno State. Years of insurgency have disrupted education and economic activities, leaving many young people without opportunities for growth.
The fashion hub is designed to fill this gap. By providing a structured environment for skill development and entrepreneurship, it offers a pathway for young people to escape the cycle of poverty and unemployment.
“The strength of any nation lies not in its natural resources but in the hands of its skilled and enterprising citizens. This hub is a practical demonstration of this philosophy,” Shettima said.
Beyond its impact on youth unemployment, the fashion hub is poised to boost the local economy by stimulating demand for raw materials, creating value chains, and enhancing the state’s profile as a center for innovation and enterprise.
By integrating local resources, such as cotton farming and textile production, the hub has the potential to transform Borno into a fashion and textile powerhouse, contributing to the national economy.
The inauguration of the fashion hub is only the beginning. Both Shettima and Zulum urged entrepreneurs and business owners in Borno to fully utilize the resources provided by the hub and other MSME initiatives.
“This is not just a project; it is a call to action for our youths and business owners. Take advantage of the opportunities provided, enhance your skills, and explore new markets,” Zulum said.
As the doors of the fashion hub open, so too does a new chapter for thousands of young people in Borno State.
