On Wednesday in Bauchi, the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) flagged off training for 20 unemployed youths on skills acquisition to make them self-employed.
Speaking during the flag-off, Bauchi State Coordinator of the NDE, Lawan Yaya, said that the Director General of NDE, Malam Abubakar Fikpo, had assured that the 20 trainees would be given a sum of N25,000 each as start-up capital after the training.
According to him, the start-up capital would enable them to go and practice what they have learned and become employers of labour.
Lawan Yaya, who listed some of the skills to be taught as cap making and washing, aluminum pot production and designs, and mat weaving, among others, said that the training was conducted under the Community Based Business Training Scheme of the NDE.
According to him, “The training is for three months, and they will be given a stipend of N2,000 per month, and at the end of the training, they will be given a stipend of N6,000.”
“In addition to that, they are going to be given start-up capital of N25,000 each so that they can go and practice what they have learned,” he said.
The state Coordinator, however, advised the beneficiaries to be serious about the training and punctual.
Also speaking, Mr Suleiman Abubakar, Head Of Department, Special Public Works, NDE, Bauchi, said that the programme was all about reviving old skills that were going on extinction but are marketable so as to cater to the unemployed youth.
“NDE is trying to capture the heart of the youth by engaging them in such skills so as to earn a living and become employers of labour,” he said.
In his remarks, the Emir of Bauchi, Alh. Rilwanu Adamu called on the Federal government to consider the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in the distribution of palliatives in various states.
The Emir, who was represented by Hon Mustapha Alkali (Kuliyan Bauchi), said this is because the NDE had been very effective and fair in instilling entrepreneurship skills in unemployed youth in the country.
He then commended the Federal Government for using the NDE to create job opportunities for youths and women, thereby reducing the rate of unemployment among Nigerians.
Abubakar Musa, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, appreciated the Federal Government and NDE for the kind gesture, promising to be serious and make the best out of the training.