From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has trained over 50 graduates drawn from the three (3) senatorial district of Benue State.
The training scheme known as ‘Start Your Own Business’, SYOB, is domiciled under the Small Scale Entrrprtise (SSE) department of the agency.
Director-General, NDE Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo stressed that the training will afford the participants the opportunity to be gainfully employed and urged them to take it seriously.
Represented by Mrs. Nonyelum Joy Iweka, the DG said the training program is free of charge, adding that training materials were made available to them for easy understanding.
State Coordinator, NDE Mr. Musa Bala Sadauki noted that the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has demonstrated in clear terms his determination to improve the lives of unemployed women and youths through programs like 774 job, COVID-19 palliatives, CBN/NIRSAL AGSMEIS loan scheme amongst others.
He said the training is a practical demonstration of the willingness of the present Management of NDE led by the DG Mallam Abubakar Fikpo in fighting graduate unemployment in the country and State.
The Coordinator enumerated objectives of the program to include, to help unemployed graduates consider self- employment as viable career option, to help develop entrepreneurial mindset and acquire the basic skills required to start small business, it is aimed at stepping up the competence of participants in writing a good bankable feasibility study report, help participants to develop their capacity to manage their enterprise effectively and efficiently a d to assist participants to identify sources of accessing funds amongst others.
Sadauki intimated they the agency has trained over 100 women and youths in poultry and vegetable gardening, trained 1070 participants under the NDE/NIRSAL/CBN collaboration to enable them access CBN loan, empowered 32 women trained in spice production with loa package to expand their businesses as well as empowerment of 14 women and youths in the informal sector to expand their businesses
Bank Manager, Bank of Agriculture Mr. Asenga Geoffrey urged the participants to start small and grow gradually with their set dreams.
While Mr. Francis Kwaghge, Assistant Director, Head of Deparemt, HOD stressed the high commitment demonstrated by the participants who were issued with certificate at the end of the 5 day program.
