NDE trains 261 Cross River youths, provides soft loans

The National Directorate of Employment, NDE, has successfully trained and resettled 261 youths in Cross River State under the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, RHEI.

These beneficiaries have been shortlisted for soft loans and starter packs to help them establish micro-enterprises in the state.

The initiative is part of a nationwide effort that has trained over 5,532 individuals, equipping them with skills and financial support to start small-scale businesses.

Speaking at the resettlement and closing ceremony in Calabar, the Cross River State Coordinator of the National Productivity Centre, Mr Emeka Okoli, highlighted the significance of the programme, which commenced in December 2024.

He emphasized that RHEI aims to create employment opportunities, support small-scale enterprises, boost agricultural productivity, improve rural infrastructure, and provide temporary jobs for Nigerian youths.

These efforts, he noted, are designed to foster economic growth and empower communities.

Mr. Okoli urged the beneficiaries to make effective use of the resettlement tools provided, stressing that their success would contribute to local economic development.

He further revealed that in the past three months, the NDE has trained 33,692 unemployed Nigerian youths, women, and Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) in various in-demand skills, including vocational training, entrepreneurship, and business management.

Earlier, the Director-General of NDE, Mr. Silas Agara, represented by the Cross River State Acting Coordinator, Mr Anthony Moloa, reiterated that the programme was designed to create employment opportunities for youths, women, and physically challenged individuals.

During the event, beneficiaries received cash grants and resettlement items such as sewing machines, pressing irons, and hair dryers to support their new businesses.

Expressing her gratitude, one of the beneficiaries, Agnes Arop, thanked the Federal Government for the empowerment initiative and pledged to utilize the items effectively to improve her livelihood.