The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Kogi State, Nigeria, has empowered 108 individuals with business skills across various industries, aiming to cultivate wealth creators in the economy. Through a series of business development trainings and loan disbursements, the NDE facilitated opportunities for entrepreneurship and job creation.
Under the Micro Enterprise Enhancement Scheme (MEES), 98 individuals received loan facilities, while four participants benefited from the ‘Start Your Own Business’ (SYOB) scheme. Additionally, four businesswomen received soft loans through the Basic Business Training (BBT) program, and two women were empowered with start-ups under the Mature People’s Programme (MPP). Furthermore, 70 unemployed graduates underwent training as part of the Small Scale Enterprises Program.
The Kogi State Coordinator of NDE, Mr. Ibidun Abiodun Amos, highlighted the achievements of the Small Scale Enterprises (SSE) Department in conducting the recent training sessions. The breakdown of beneficiaries includes 98 individuals under MEES, four under BBT, four under SYOB, two under MPP, and 70 graduates trained under SSE.
The Director-General of NDE, Mr. Nuhu Fikpo, attributed the success of the programs to the political will of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes job creation and poverty alleviation.
Mr. Amos emphasized the importance of collective efforts in supporting the federal government’s initiatives to achieve prosperity for all Nigerians. He urged unemployed individuals to seize the opportunity provided by the NDE to become business owners and employers of labor.
Mr. Muftau Umar, the head of the Small Scale Enterprises department in Kogi State, encouraged participants to utilize the skills acquired to transform their lives positively. He cautioned against engaging in social vices that could hinder their future prospects.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Olorunfemi Esther expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the current administration for their commitment to combating unemployment. She pledged to make the NDE proud by leveraging the opportunities provided to them.
