The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has partnered with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) to initiate an employability skills training programme for over 150 unemployed Nigerians residing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The initiative, flagged-off last week, aims to equip participants, particularly youths and women, with essential soft skills, life skills and vocational expertise.
The effort underscores a significant stride towards mitigating the rampant unemployment challenges facing the nation and fostering sustainable development.
Aliyu Abubakar, Procurement Director, who represented the Director-General of NDE, emphasised the importance of addressing unemployment among youths and women.
He highlighted the programme’s objective to provide participants with the necessary skills and confidence to actively contribute to the economy. “Our focus on soft skills, life skills and vocational training will enhance their employability, entrepreneurial abilities and overall self-reliance,” he stated.
Tolulope Olaya, Programme Component Manager for the Centre for Migration and Development of German Development Cooperation, outlined the collaborative efforts with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and NDE.
She said: “Our primary goal is to enhance the employability of unemployed youth through soft skills training, enabling them to access job opportunities in the labor market.”
Ifeoma Ezepue, Director, Special Public Works at NDE, stressed the practicality of the training in preparing participants for job searches and interviews.
“Our aim is to equip them with essential marketing skills to effectively present themselves to potential employers,” she asserted.
Ezepue highlighted the relevance of the skills, especially for graduates and school leavers seeking entry-level positions in a challenging job market.
Mr Noble Chimereze, FCT Coordinator of NDE, stressed the transformative impact of the training on graduates’ employability.
He said: “This programme is crucial as it addresses gaps in basic job-seeking skills among recent graduates, such as CV writing and interview preparation. Our objective is to enhance their marketability and ensure their success in securing employment.”
Established in 1986, the NDE plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s employment sector, focusing on job creation, vocational training, entrepreneurship and employment services. The agency’s interventions are geared towards promoting employment opportunities and reducing unemployment rates across the country.
Through the collaborative effort between NDE and GIZ, participants are set to gain practical skills that will not only empower them in the job market but also contribute to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development. The programme reflects a commitment to equipping Nigeria’s workforce with the necessary tools for sustainable livelihoods and economic prosperity.
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