The Federal Government, yesterday flagged off the training of 41,307 youths in the second phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI).
Performing the ceremony at the new headquarters building of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. Senator George Akume, said the programmme is in line with President Tinubu administration’s policy of creating jobs and providing opportunities for Nigerian youths to thrive.
Akune said, “This is a bold declaration of intent by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deliver on his promise of a Nigeria where opportunities, productivity and prosperity are not distant aspirations, but lived realities.
“The RHEI agenda is a contract with Nigerians. At its core, lies the unwavering commitment to economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation. As we launch the second phase of the RHEI, we are depending that promise by directly addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time – unemployment. That is why NDE, in the guidance of the President, designed this initiative to Nigerians.”
In his speech, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi said, “For more than 25 years, the NDE has been operating from a rented accommodation that is not befitting of an agency of the Federal Government charged with the responsibility of designing and implementing programs that will create mass employment opportunities for the unskilled and unemployed in Nigeria”.
Also speaking, the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Salisu Aliyu Usman said, “The RHEI is not just a job creation program, it is a national movement to restore dignity, unlock potential and forge a more prosperous future for all Nigerians. To the Director General of of NDE, His Excellency Silas Agara l, his management team and the entire staff, I commend you for your tireless efforts in designing and implementing programs that promote employment and economic growth.”
Senator Doket Plang, chairman of the Senate committee on Labour said he is happy to be associated with NDE to reduce poverty, especially in the rural areas.
The chairman, House Committee on Labour, Hon. Asiwaju Adefarati Adegboyega said, we are launching 41,307 opportunities, equipping our youths with skills and opening pathways to sustainable livelihoods.
In his speech, Silas Agara, Director General of NDE said, “The NDE, despite the challenges of limited Budgetary resources remains committed to equipping unemployed Nigerians with demand driven skills arts, in order to empower these individuals to become employers of labour and wealth creators in the nearest future. I urge the trainees to make every good use of this opportunity better your life, community and the nation at large.”