Group extols NDE’s empowerment strides, seeks more opportunity for women

A group of women, under the aegis of Nigerian League of Women Voters (NILOWV), has commended the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) for its efforts at training women in vocational skills and empowering them with facilities to start and establish different businesses.

The commendation came when the leadership of the group visited the Director-General of the NDE, Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo, in Abuja to express their appreciation.

Led by their national president, Mrs Irene Pado Mangu, the women expressed gratitude to the NDE, saying the impact of the trainings and provision of startup facilities women have received from the directorate have immensely contributed to cushioning the effect of the economic hardship faced in the country.

Mangu said, “Many of us needed training and empowerment and the NDE graciously provided the opportunity.” She added that the partnership between the group and the NDE has been fruitful because it has lifted many women from severe economic hardship.

She said, “Our relationship with the NDE has been great. The directorate has been highly impactful to women. We are women of diverse background who have benefited immensely from the NDE. However, we are here again as Oliver Twist because of the high level of poverty, especially among women due to the present economy of our country.

“We need more assistance in the area of empowerment. Please, push us further away from poverty. Farmers among us need to be encouraged to do more. They need assistance in the storage of their farm produce. Youths among us also need trainings on home use products, tech and the ICT.”

In his response, Fikpo appreciated the women for coming on the visit, saying, “We are happy you told others that NDE’s empowerment programmes are impactful. I agree that it is only right we strengthen our partnership.

“We agreed on a percentage which NDE has abided with nationwide. NDE programmes are regular, so, we shall continue to provide support for NILOWV especially now that you are formed into clusters.”

Mallam Fikpo used the opportunity to call on the unemployed in the country to embrace the job opportunities provided nationwide by the NDE and bail themselves out of poverty.

ALSO READ: BREAKING: Kano APC suspends Ganduje over alleged corruption