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Tag: the National Directorate of Employment (NDE)

  • NDE opens portal for vocational training of 27,000 unemployed Nigerians

    NDE opens portal for vocational training of 27,000 unemployed Nigerians

    16,470 register one hour after opening of second phase of RHEI

    The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) yesterday opened the online registration portal for the second phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, (RHEI) of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    About 16,470 Nigerians rgistered on the portal within an hour of opening it for various vocational training programmes

    The RHE Initiative was launched as a flagship effort under the current administration to combat unemployment. It is meant to equip unskilled Nigerians with relevant vocational skills and tools to become self-reliant.

    About 93,000 Nigerians benefited from the first phase of the initiative implemented across the country. 

    Addressing reporters yesterday in Abuja, MDE’s Director General Silas Agara said the directorate’s headquarters would monitor the process by the state and zonal offices.

    He said only Nigerians who possess valid National Identity Number (NIN) are eligible to apply for the training.

    The former Nasarawa State deputy governor added: “As we speak, we have robustly provided software and hardware, as well as internet facilities to all the 37 states of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), so that they can link to the NDE headquarters for the implementation of this second phase and help us achieve 100 per cent digital success. These facilities are made available even in all our six zonal offices.

    “The Federal Government, through the NDE, wants youths from 18 to 45 years to apply online to be able to benefit from the second phase of the programme, which will consist of 27,000 beneficiaries.

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    “As you witness the opening ceremony with a demonstration of how to fill the form, the headquarters will monitor the process by the state and zonal offices.

    “We are happy that from the opening of the portal, within an hour, about 16,470 Nigerians have applied.

    “Beneficiaries will be engaged in over 30 different skills. The skill sets vary from state to state. What is applicable to Abia may not be in Adamawa. We planned it in such a way that state-based skills, that is, certain skills that are very lucrative in specific states are considered.”

    He said the portal: (www.nderegistrationportal.ng) would be open for two weeks from July 28 and August 11.

    According to Agara, the only change from the first phase of the programme is that applicants can now register in the state of residence they want to train and not their state of origin.

    He added that the NDE would collaborate with the Nigerian Data Protection Council (NDPC) for the protection of the applicants’ data.

    Also, NDE’s Director Planning, Research and Statistics, Edmund Onwuliri, announced that only 27,000 applicants would be trained in this second phase, while subsequent phases would be held for youths to acquire skills.

    The Director of Inspectorate, Mrs. Steve Olayinka, said 800 centres have been accredited to train the beneficiaries.

    ICT consultant, Mr. Silas Nuhu, said the portal would not register those that have benefited from the first phase.

  • 5,532 trainees get funds, tools to start businesses

    5,532 trainees get funds, tools to start businesses

    The Federal Government has resettled 5,532 beneficiaries who completed their training under the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) through the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative nationwide, providing them with soft loans, starter tools, and equipment to kick-start their businesses.

    The Director – General of NDE, Silas Agara, disclosed that in the last three months, the agency has successfully trained 33,692 unemployed Nigerian youths, women, and Persons Living with Disabilities in various demand-driven skills, including vocational skills training, entrepreneurship, and business management.

    He explained that the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative is built on three core pillars: Skills development – Providing training and mentorship opportunities to equip unskilled and unemployed persons; resettlement packages – Offering loan facilities, access to finance, and starter packs and job creation – Collaborating with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to create job opportunities, stimulate innovation, and drive economic growth.

    Agara said this during the disbursement of the resettlement tools, equipment, and soft loans to beneficiaries yesterday in Abuja.

    “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to address unemployment and promote economic development.

     This initiative underscores our commitment to creating a brighter future for all, where everyone has access to meaningful work and opportunities for growth,” Agara stated.

    He assured beneficiaries that the NDE remains committed to supporting them as they establish their businesses, urging them to take full advantage of the opportunity to drive economic growth and development.

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    Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who disbursed the resettlement tools, equipment, and soft loans to beneficiaries, described the initiative as evidence to the current administration’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly youths and vulnerable groups.

    She said the beneficiaries were fortunate to be among those empowered with financial support and essential equipment, as many others trained by the NDE are yet to be resettled due to financial constraints.

    The minister said: “The employment creation program we are celebrating today was meticulously designed to equip thousands of unemployed Nigerians with practical skills in various trades and vocations.

    “Through the dedication of the NDE, these beneficiaries have undergone rigorous training, acquiring skills that will enable them to become self-reliant and productive members of society.

    “Training alone is not enough. To translate these skills into sustainable and decent livelihoods, beneficiaries must be supported with the necessary tools, equipment, and financial resources to kick-start their ventures. This is why today’s resettlement exercise is a crucial milestone in our collective journey toward economic empowerment.”

    While appealing to philanthropists, corporate organisations, and development partners to assist the NDE in ensuring trained beneficiaries are fully resettled, the Minister urged recipients to use the opportunity and make the most of their skills and resources to build sustainable businesses, create jobs for others, and contribute to national economic growth.

    “As a government, we will continue to support and expand initiatives that create employment, reduce poverty, and build a prosperous future for all Nigerians,” she added.