The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has disbursed N100,000 business loans to small-scale enterprise owners in Ekiti state as part of its Basic Business Training Scheme.
During the disbursement ceremony in Ado-Ekiti, Director General Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo highlighted the agency’s commitment to providing job opportunities for youths. Represented by state coordinator Sanusi Akeem, Fikpo emphasized the importance of exposing unemployed youths to opportunities for financial independence to address poverty and youth restiveness in the country.
The loan scheme aims to enhance the capacity of micro-business owners and improve their incomes for economic development. Each beneficiary receives N100,000 to boost their existing enterprises, with a 9% interest rate and a three-month moratorium period for repayment within one year.
Fikpo commended the state government and stakeholders for their support in combating poverty through impactful job creation programs.