NDE trains 2,000 unemployed persons in Imo

From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has disclosed that it has trained more than 2,000 unemployed persons in Imo State under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI), reaffirming its commitment to expanding employment opportunities and promoting entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths.

Speaking during the resettlement ceremony for beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative Phase II at the Federal Secretariat Hall in Owerri, the Acting Director-General of the NDE, Mr. Edmund Onwuliri, said the initiative aligns with President Bola

Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at addressing unemployment through skills acquisition, enterprise development and inclusive economic growth.

Onwuliri said the Directorate trained 1,001 unemployed persons across Imo State during the first phase of the programme, while an additional 1,035 beneficiaries received vocational and entrepreneurial training under Phase II.

He explained that the programme goes beyond skills training by providing beneficiaries with the resources required to establish businesses, become self-reliant and create employment opportunities for others.

“The tools and equipment you receive today should be seen as instruments for building sustainable livelihoods. I encourage you to utilise them responsibly, apply the skills you have acquired diligently, and remain focused on your entrepreneurial aspirations.

Through hard work, innovation and perseverance, you can transform small enterprises into thriving businesses that create employment opportunities for others,” he said.

The Acting Director-General noted that while the Directorate remains committed to resettling every successful trainee, funding constraints have necessitated a phased implementation of the exercise.

As part of the latest phase, 28 beneficiaries who completed the Phase II training received business starter packs and vocational equipment to enable them establish their enterprises immediately. He assured that additional successful trainees would be empowered as more funds become available.

“The resettlement exercise will continue in batches as resources are made available. Our commitment is to ensure that every successful trainee is given the opportunity to put the skills acquired into productive use,” Onwuliri added.

Earlier, the Director of Special Public Works, Mrs. Folashade Lanre-Ogun, congratulated the beneficiaries on completing the programme, describing the starter packs as essential business tools designed to support sustainable enterprises and self-reliance.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Imo State Governor on Local Government Affairs, Mr. Willie Ogwo, urged the beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity by making productive use of the skills and equipment received, noting that their success would encourage more young people to embrace entrepreneurship.

The Permanent Secretary, Imo State Ministry of Information, Dr. Pauline Iwuagwu, commended the NDE for equipping participants with practical skills and business tools capable of improving livelihoods and contributing to the state’s economic development.

The ceremony featured the inspection and presentation of starter packs to beneficiaries trained in trades including knitting, autotronics, catering, GSM phone repairs, satellite dish installation, welding and fabrication,

Also were hairdressing, electrical installation, carpentry, plumbing, POP and wall screeding, as well as solar installation.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Chimezie expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and NDE for the opportunity, assuring that the equipment received would be put to productive use in building successful businesses.