Enugu: The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) announced the successful nationwide resettlement of 5,532 beneficiaries who have been trained in various skills under its Renewed Hope Employment Initiative. This announcement was made by Dr. Silas Agara, the Director-General of NDE, during the NDE Special Day at the 36th Enugu International Trade Fair.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Agara, represented by Mr. Edmond Owuliri, the Director of Public Research and Statistics, highlighted that the initiative is aimed at equipping unskilled and unemployed Nigerians with demand-driven skills to foster self-employment, create wealth, and reduce poverty. He emphasized that the theme of this year’s trade fair, ‘Developing Nigeria’s Industrial Sector SMEs for Economic Advancement and Global Recognition,’ aligns closely with the NDE’s mandate and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Dr. Agara elaborated on the NDE’s commitment over the years to job creation and empowerment through various programmes. These include the Small Scale Enterprises Programme, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and skills development for self-reliance, and the Rural Employment Promotion Programme, which provides employment opportunities in rural areas to reduce poverty and inequality through viable agricultural practices.
Additionally, the Special Public Works Programme implements projects that create jobs and stimulate local economies through infrastructural development and stop-gap job opportunities. The Vocational Skills Development Programme equips Nigerians with vocational skills to enhance employability and competitiveness.
The Director-General emphasized the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable development and called on government agencies, private sector organizations, and civil society groups to partner with the NDE to promote SME growth. He expressed optimism that such partnerships could lead to a more prosperous and inclusive economy benefiting all Nigerians.
Chief Odeiga Jideonwo, President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, commended the NDE for its vital role in fostering SME growth and creating employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians. He also praised the agency’s consistency in using the trade fair to showcase its numerous services, encouraging Nigerians to utilize these services free of charge.