About 1,146 youths, including women, have been selected for the second phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI2) in Kaduna State. The announcement was made by the State Coordinator of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Francis Ambianto, during the official inauguration of the programme on Thursday in Kaduna.
Mr Ambianto, who represented the Director-General of NDE, Silas Agara, explained that the initiative was being carried out simultaneously across the 36 states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory. He said the programme aims to provide young people with the skills and opportunities needed to become self-reliant and contribute to economic development.
“The central message of the director-general is that the youth who are successful in undergoing this programme should take it as a great opportunity because chances are limited. With the new direction of the NDE, if you participate in a programme, you cannot come back again, because the registration is tied to the National Identification Number. Once you have benefitted, you are expected to excel and not reapply,” he said.
Mr Ambianto emphasized that if the participants remain focused and committed, they would not only become self-employed but also create job opportunities for others.
He also advised the trainers to provide quality instruction while urging the trainees to respect their trainers, remain disciplined, and take the training seriously to achieve the desired results.
Speaking at the event, the Counsellor to the Kaduna State Governor on Political Matters, Ado Dogo, praised the programme, describing it as a vital step toward reducing youth unemployment in the state.
“This is a welcome initiative that will reduce idleness among youths and help them become self-independent,” he said.
Mr Dogo assured that the Kaduna State Government would continue to partner with the NDE to improve and expand youth empowerment programmes. He added that engaging young people meaningfully would improve their livelihoods and help reduce insecurity in the state.
Some beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for being selected to participate in the programme. Aisha Sambo, who applied for the Special Public Work scheme, said she felt honoured and happy to be among the selected participants. She stated that the training would support her financial growth and personal development.
Another beneficiary, Samson Elisha, an unemployed youth who applied for fish farming and feed production, also expressed appreciation. He promised to remain focused during the training to acquire skills that would help him build a sustainable livelihood.
The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative is part of the federal government’s wider plan to tackle unemployment by equipping young Nigerians with relevant skills for job creation.