Tinubu’s renewed hope initiative will reduce unemployment — Aiyedatiwa

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for introducing the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI 2), describing it as a strategic intervention to tackle the nation’s unemployment challenge.

The governor made the remarks during the launch of Phase II of RHEI 2 in Akure, which targets over 41,000 youths across the state with demand-driven skills to foster employment, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.

Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa, said the initiative, being implemented through the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), is designed not only to provide jobs for thousands of young Nigerians but also to groom a new generation of entrepreneurs who will, in turn, create more employment opportunities.

According to him, RHEI 2 aligns with the Tinubu administration’s vision of inclusive growth and economic empowerment, while complementing Ondo State’s policies on youth development and poverty reduction.

“This programme will go a long way in tackling unemployment in our state and across the country. More importantly, it will equip our young people with the skills and support to become employers of labour, rather than mere job seekers.

“No government can absorb all unemployed youths into the public service. It is our responsibility to create an enabling environment that allows our youths to thrive and unleash their potential.

“Since the inception of our administration, we have empowered our youths through skills acquisition programmes in ICT, agriculture, farming, and entrepreneurship,” he said.

The governor assured that his administration would provide the necessary support to ensure the smooth implementation of the initiative in Ondo State, while urging beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity to improve their livelihoods.

The Director-General of the NDE, Silas Ali Agara, represented at the event by the State Coordinator of NDE, Mr. Emmanuel Aderinola, said RHEI 2 was conceived to strengthen entrepreneurship, boost productivity, and foster sustainable economic growth across the federation.

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He described the initiative as a bold step toward reducing youth restiveness, curbing poverty, and driving national development, adding that it aligns with national policy objectives to equip youths with the skills and opportunities necessary to thrive in the modern economy.

“RHEI 2 is not just about creating jobs; it is about building a sustainable ecosystem for youth empowerment and economic participation,” he said.

Agara noted that Phase II will expand training to over 41,000 participants in more than 30 vocational, technical, and entrepreneurial skills.

He recalled that Phase I, launched on December 6, 2024, trained 32,692 Nigerians nationwide in market-relevant skills and supported small-scale enterprises with loans and starter packs.

“The first phase’s strategic goals included increasing trainee employability, supporting small-scale enterprises, promoting agricultural productivity, improving rural infrastructure, and providing temporary jobs.

“A total of 5,532 beneficiaries were resettled with loans and starter packs, while linkages to credit-granting institutions continue for those not accommodated under the soft loan scheme,” Agara added.

He emphasized that the initiative is not merely about skills acquisition but also about economic empowerment, self-reliance, and sustainable development, enabling participants to contribute meaningfully to national growth.

Phase II of RHEI 2 is expected to create widespread opportunities for youths and unemployed Nigerians, building a skilled workforce capable of driving economic growth across multiple sectors.

The launch, attended by government officials, dignitaries, and beneficiaries, was marked by optimism that the initiative would transform lives, reduce poverty, and build a skilled workforce in Ondo State and across the country.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE