The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has disbursed business start-up loans to no fewer than 5,532 unemployed youths across the country.
The Director-General of NDE, His Excellency Silas Ali Agara, spoke during the resettlement of trained beneficiaries under the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.
The DG explained that the current government, under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, is determined to empower youths to become successful entrepreneurs through necessary support and training.
Represented by the Ekiti State Coordinator of NDE, Sanusi Akeem, he noted that the initiative was designed to create employment opportunities by supporting small-scale enterprises to foster economic growth and development.
He disclosed that no fewer than 33,692 unemployed youths have been trained in the last three months across the country in-demand skills, including vocational skills training, entrepreneurship and business management training, agricultural skills training, and activities within the Public Works sector.
The DG stated: “This initiative has culminated in the launching of the resettlement of the trained beneficiaries, the goal of which is to empower participants to become not only self-employed but also employers of labour.
“A total of Five Thousand Five Hundred and Thirty-Two (5,532) beneficiaries will be resettled with loans and starter packs nationwide to enable them to establish their own businesses.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to address unemployment and promote economic development. This initiative underscores our commitment to creating a brighter future for all, where everyone has access to meaningful work and opportunities for growth.”
He commended the state and local governments, as well as other stakeholders, for their support towards the success of the programme.
While reiterating the agency’s support for the beneficiaries, the DG appealed to them: “Use this opportunity given to you to establish yourselves in businesses that will drive growth and economic development.”
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