Creating value addition in agriculture ‘ll translate to creation of more employment – NDE

“NDE, with her expanded collaborative synergy, has designed and implemented job programmes and schemes that have keyed squarely into the economic policies of the Federal Government and created many jobs.

“It is my joy to inform this gathering that the Directorate in the last three years has created a pool of artisans numbering 4,194,718 under its four core programmes namely Vocational Skills Development, Small Scale Enterprises, Special Public Works and the Rural Employment Promotion.

The DG noted that  trade fairs and other exhibitions remain major platforms upon which business owners connect, gain exposure and unhindered access to the business world and enhance the value of their product and services. “NDE’s participation in trade fair of this magnitude is also to provide opportunities for the beneficiaries of our various skills acquisition programmes to showcase the effort and commitment of the Federal Government through the NDE at self-employment creation.”

He  called on all unskilled and unemployed persons in Nigeria to embrace the opportunities for self reliance as presented in all states of the federation by the NDE.

“We are committed to the provision of innovative ideas and employment creation models that will continue to compliment economic policies of the Federal Government.”

She noted that the Tinubu led administration is determined to remodel the economy and fast track growth and development through job creation, food security and an end to extreme poverty.

Onyejieocha noted that the NDE, one of the agencies under her oversight is also committed to the course of action targeted at achieving a higher GDP growth, which would in turn enhance significant reduction in unemployment

She said this administration is determined to remodel the economy and fast track growth and development through job creation, food security and an end to extreme poverty.

“These objectives are cardinal to the eight point agenda of Mr. President. The NDE, one of the agencies under my oversight is also committed to the course of action targeted at achieving a higher GDP growth, which would in turn enhance significant reduction in unemployment.

“Furthermore, the Federal Government’s policy thrust on Agriculture which relies on access to adequate capital is to encourage indigenous farmers to do more in the provision of adequate food for the Nigerian citizenry and ensure agricultural value chain offers employment to millions of jobless Nigerians.

“NDE will also be more strengthened to achieve this lofty objective. Just recently, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu launched the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme for 15 million Nigerian households as part of palliatives towards addressing the socioeconomic challenges and to also empower Nigerians.”

Onyejieocha said Nigerians should be  assured that  the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of exchange rates which presently pose economic challenge are for the future gain of the country.

She viewed  that the theme of this year’s Trade Fair: Connecting Businesses, Creating Values” is well articulated and very much in line with the economic policy thrust of the Federal Government which has special focus on Skills Acquisition Programmes, Small Scale Businesses and Micro Enterprise Promotions to compliment economic activities in Agriculture, Mining and Manufacturing to stimulate and put the Nigerian economy on a sound footing. “To this end, this administration shall provide effective stimulus for micro businesses, SMEs and start-ups especially access to low interest credit.

“I am glad that in the few months of this administration, NDE has made remarkable progress in the implementation of employment creation programmes leading to establishment of many new business enterprises and growth of the Nigerian economy. I am aware that the Directorate in its efforts at fighting unemployment as well as reducing poverty has partnered with both national and international agencies in the areas of capacity building, technical support and programme delivery.

” The partnership initiative has yielded positive results. It has also expanded programme coverage of the Directorate and strengthened its internal capacity for sustainable employment creations.

“A large percentage of the Nigerian population is engaged in small and micro-businesses. This is the reason we have to appreciate the gains of NDE’s hard work towards ensuring self-employment and self – reliance among the youths and women who dominate the informal sector.

She  congratulated the President the  LCCI for being a worthy partner with the Federal Government, adding that the promotion of NDE sponsored entrepreneurs to trade fairs such as this is to enable them exchange useful ideas with other participants and to spur them to greater heights.

She pleaded that  the young men and women who are displaying their products and services at the pavilion of NDE should be encouraged with good patronage, noting that It is high time we began  to make use of locally made goods and services to achieve the Nigeria of our dream.

She also applauded  the government and good people of Lagos State for the conducive atmosphere provided for the success of the event.”