The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has established 5,532 beneficiaries out of 33,692 unemployed persons trained in vocational skills. Speaking at the resettlement of the beneficiaries under the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative in Abuja, Director-General of NDE, Silas Agara, said the in-demand skill programme also incorporated youths and persons living with disabilities.

He explained that the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative is designed to create employment opportunities, support the establishment of small-scale enterprises, promote agricultural productivity, improve rural infrastructure and provide transient jobs, which would foster economic growth and empower communities. He added that the employment initiative is built on skills development, resettlement and job creation.

“By providing training and mentorship opportunities, we equip unskilled and unemployed persons with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the modern work and small-scale business environment. By providing beneficiaries with loan facilities, access to finance, and starter packs, the Directorate hopes to support the establishment of nano, micro and small-scale enterprises.

“To work with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to create new job opportunities, stimulate innovation, and drive economic growth,” he said.
The NDE chief assured of the Directorate’s support, saying: “We want you to use this opportunity given to you to establish yourselves in businesses that would engineer growth and drive economic development. Let us work together to build a brighter future for our communities. I look forward to the time your new businesses will begin to employ other Nigerians as you expand your business endeavours. I am very optimistic that we will experience that very soon and we can look back with pride at how far and well we have come.”

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said the training speaks to the unwavering commitment of President Bola Tinubu to the empowerment of Nigerian youths and the alleviation of poverty across Nigeria.

The minister hinted that since its inception, the current administration prioritised job creation, skills acquisition, and economic empowerment as core strategies for national development.

“The employment creation programme we are celebrating today was meticulously designed to equip thousands of unemployed Nigerians with practical skills in various trades and vocations. This initiative was deliberately implemented in all the states of the federation and the FCT, and the beneficiaries were selected across all the electoral wards of this country to ensure inclusivity, fairness, and national reach. Through the dedication of the NDE, these beneficiaries have undergone rigorous training, acquiring skills that will enable them to become self-reliant and productive members of society.”