From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has commenced the resettlement of beneficiaries trained under the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, with 5,532 individuals receiving loans and starter packs to establish small-scale enterprises.
Speaking at the resettlement ceremony held in Abuja on Tuesday, the Director-General of NDE, Silas Agara, said the initiative is aimed at addressing unemployment and fostering economic growth. Agara noted that the programme, which began with a flag-off ceremony in December 2024, has trained 33,692 unemployed youths, women, and persons with disabilities in vocational skills, entrepreneurship, business management, and agricultural activities across the country.
The DG said that the resettlement phase is a crucial step in ensuring beneficiaries transition from job seekers to business owners and, ultimately, employers.
“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 in-turn foster economic growth and empower our communities,” he stated.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to job creation, skills acquisition, and economic empowerment.
Onyejeocha emphasised that the initiative was designed to equip thousands of unemployed Nigerians with practical skills in various trades and vocations, ensuring inclusivity by selecting beneficiaries from every electoral ward in the country.
The Minister acknowledged that while many beneficiaries are being resettled, others are still awaiting financial support due to funding constraints.
She called on corporate organisations, development partners, and philanthropic individuals to collaborate with the government in empowering more trained Nigerians.
“Resettling trained beneficiaries is a capital intensive endeavour. It requires substantial funding, collaboration, and support from all stakeholders. Therefore, I use this opportunity to call on well meaning individuals, corporate organisations, and development partners to join hands with the NDE in ensuring that no trained beneficiary is left without the necessary support to start their entrepreneurial journey. Empowering our youths is a collective responsibility,” she added.
The Minister further encouraged beneficiaries to maximize the opportunity, create jobs for others, and contribute to national economic growth.