GIFT ROBERTS
No fewer than 748 youths are currently been trained in different skills in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Some of the youths are being trained and will be empowered with start-up kits at the end of the programme according to the organisers of the programme, the National Directorate of Employment NDE.
A statement by the NDE acting Director-General, Mallam Abubakar Fikpo, at the launch of the Vocational Skills Development scheme in Owerri, said that out of the 748 youths, 540 would be trained under the Basic National Open Apprenticeship, while 100 youths would be trained in sustainable agricultural development training scheme.
According to the DG, who was represented by the NDE Coordinator in Imo State, Mrs Ngozi Ihenacho, the trainees would be given a certificate upon completion of their three-month training with a start loan, adding that the Environmental Beautification Training Scheme was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to reduce unemployment through skill acquisition and resettling of successful trainees to enable them to start their own businesses.
Fikpo also said that 54 youths among the beneficiaries would receive training under the directorate’s Environmental Beautification Training Scheme, while 54 would be trained under the Advanced National Open Apprenticeship A-NOAS.
“Today’s programme marks a milestone in the history of Rural Employment Promotion REP schemes designed to reflect emerging trends to grow rural employment through agribusiness engagements.”
“Under A-NOAS, trainees’ upgrade their knowledge of basic skills acquired under A-NOAS and are guaranteed a certificate as well as access to start-up loan upon completion of the training,
“We will work together with the state government for best results.” he said.
He said that 54 of the trainees were recruited in Imo, two persons per local government, as there are 27 councils in the state, adding that the programme was in line with the Federal Government’s policy in agriculture for employment, wealth creation and food sufficiency.