By Michael Oche
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has restated the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s determination to reduce unemployment by equipping young Nigerians with practical skills and the resources needed to establish businesses.
Acting Director-General of the NDE, Mr. Edmund Onwuliri, stated this during the distribution of business starter packs and vocational equipment to beneficiaries of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) Phase II at the Federal Secretariat Hall in Owerri, Imo State.
Mr. Onwuliri, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on job creation, entrepreneurship development, skills acquisition, and inclusive economic growth.
He explained that the programme is designed not only to train participants but also to provide them with the tools required to become self-employed and, in turn, 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 disclosed that the Directorate trained 1,001 unemployed persons across Imo State under the first phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, while 1,035 additional unemployed persons benefited from vocational and entrepreneurial training under Phase II.
He explained that although the Directorate is committed to resettling every successful trainee, funding constraints have made it necessary to implement the exercise in phases.
Consequently, 28 beneficiaries who successfully completed the Phase II training were presented with starter packs and business tools at the ceremony, while assuring that additional beneficiaries 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 assured.
Earlier, the Director of Special Public Works, Mrs. Folashade Lanre-Ogun, congratulated the graduating trainees for their dedication and perseverance throughout the programme, reminding them that the equipment presented to them was meant to serve as the foundation for sustainable businesses.
“The starter packs presented to you are not merely gifts but essential business tools designed to enable you to establish sustainable enterprises and become self-reliant,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the Special Adviser to the Imo State Governor on Local Government Affairs, Mr. Willie Okolie Ogwo, urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the skills acquired and the equipment received, noting that their success would inspire many more young people to embrace entrepreneurship.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Imo State Ministry of Information, Dr. Pauline Iwuagwu, commended the National Directorate of Employment for what she described as a laudable intervention that has equipped participants with practical skills and business tools capable of improving livelihoods and contributing to the state’s economic development.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Chimezie expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the National Directorate of Employment for the opportunity, assuring that the equipment received would be put to productive use in building successful enterprises.
