Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has identified poverty and unemployment as major causes of Boko Haram insurgency in the state.
Zulum stated this during the inauguration of a micro-credit and cash disbursement facility to petty and perishable goods traders at Custom Market, Maiduguri, on Saturday.
He said that poverty and unemployment were the main causes of the insurgency and security challenges facing the state.
“There is nexus between security and economy; you can not have security without economic improvement.
“I promised to address the nagging problem of unemployment among youths and women. I will also work for the improvement of social and economic condition of the people to achieve security, peace and stability in the state,” he said.
The governor said that his administration had initiated viable programmes to provide job opportunities, reduce poverty and enhance wealth creation in the society.
He also said that the State Government had targeted over 10, 000 traders to participate in the micro-credit loan scheme before the end of the year.