The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has launched the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, an programme designed to empower 93,731 unskilled and unemployed individuals across Nigeria.
The initiative, a collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, seeks to tackle the ballooning unemployment crisis nationwide.
Speaking at the official launch in Lagos yesterday, NDE Director General Mr. Silas Agara, emphasised that the programme represents the directorate’s immediate response to unemployment.
Represented by Mrs. Elizabeth Omatsola, the Lagos State Coordinator of NDE, Agara shared that the initiative was being rolled out simultaneously across every state and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Reflecting on his appointment by President Bola Tinubu, Agara noted that the President tasked him with revitalizing the NDE to ensure it is better positioned to create meaningful employment. The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, he said, marks the first step in fulfilling that vision.
The comprehensive scheme will engage 93,731 individuals nationwide, with a strong focus on inclusivity. At least 10 people from each of Nigeria’s 8,809 electoral wards will benefit from one of the 30 skill sets available through four core programmes: Vocational Skills Development, Small Scale Enterprises, Rural Employment Promotion, and Special Public Works.
The programme is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of participants, including school leavers, dropouts, women, tertiary graduates, retirees, and persons with special needs. Agara revealed that many of the beneficiaries will be provided with tools, equipment, and start-up capital to embark on entrepreneurial ventures after completing their training. Those not directly resettled will be connected to credit institutions for further financial assistance.
In a further push to modernise the initiative, Agara highlighted the adoption of cutting-edge technology, including the use of an online registration portal, which has allowed the NDE to build a reliable database of beneficiaries. Notably, 40,000 participants will receive training in ICT and digital skills, a critical investment in equipping Nigeria’s youth for the global economy. He expressed his gratitude to Skill Paddy and Timetrest Limited for their collaboration in delivering this training.
Agara also thanked the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation for its continued support, particularly in providing starter packs for beneficiaries.
He acknowledged the contributions of Muhammad Maigeri Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment, and Dr. Nkeiruka Onyejiocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, in driving the programme’s success.
Mrs. Omatsola urged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously, stressing that the government’s investment was a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth. She emphasized the importance of using the skills learned to contribute to national development. The beneficiaries, selected from the 20 local government areas of Lagos State, pledged to fully commit to the programme.
Mr. Abiodun Osho, an agricultural expert, encouraged the participants to view the initiative as a life-changing opportunity to acquire skills that would improve their financial well-being. He urged them to work in harmony with their trainers to make the most of this chance.