The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has flagged off the second phase of its Renewed Hope Employment Initiatives (RHEI) in Abia State, targeting 1,188 unemployed youths for skills acquisition training. The programme, which commenced in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, is part of a nationwide employment scheme covering all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Speaking at the event, the Director General of the NDE, Silas Ali Agara, who was represented by the State Coordinator, Tessy Wachuku, said the initiative is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and enjoys the backing of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Agara explained that the programme was developed to tackle unemployment and poverty by providing practical training in vocational trades, entrepreneurship, agriculture, ICT, and public works. He added that over 41,000 people will be trained across Nigeria under this second phase.
According to him, “The programme is a chance for participants to transform their future. I encourage all trainees to take full advantage of the opportunity.” He also revealed that lessons from the first phase had led to improvements, including a digitised registration portal with geofenced features to ensure fairness, transparency, and a credible database of beneficiaries.
In a brief remark, the Head of the Vocational Skills Development Department, Chinyere Onyekwere, expressed appreciation to the dignitaries present and urged the trainees to remain focused and committed throughout the training.
The flag-off ceremony attracted state officials, federal representatives, and stakeholders. Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, and the Ministry of Labour and Productivity.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Ngozichi Onwuso thanked the federal government and the NDE and pledged their commitment to make the most of the training opportunity.