The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Kogi State, Nigeria, has undertaken a significant initiative to empower 108 individuals with essential business skills aimed at fostering economic growth and job creation in the region.
According to Abdulmalik Tijjani Ibrahim, the Public Relations Officer of NDE in Kogi State, the agency conducted various business development trainings targeting entrepreneurs across different industries. These efforts included the disbursement of loan facilities under the Micro Enterprise Enhancement Scheme (MEES), with 98 individuals benefiting from this program. Additionally, four persons received training through the ‘Start Your Own Business’ (SYOB) scheme, while four businesswomen were provided soft loans under the Basic Business Training (BBT) program. Two women also received start-up support under the Mature People’s Programme (MPP), alongside the training of 70 unemployed graduates under the Small Scale Enterprises Programme.
Mr. Ibidun Abiodun Amos, the Kogi State Coordinator of NDE, highlighted the success of the training programs conducted by the Small Scale Enterprises (SSE) Department, emphasizing the significant impact on unemployment in the state.
The breakdown of beneficiaries includes 98 individuals who received MEES loans, four each under the BBT and SYOB schemes, two under the MPP, and 70 graduates trained under the SSE scheme.
Director General of NDE, Mr. Nuhu Fikpo, attributed the achievements to the political will of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose Renewed Hope Agenda prioritizes job creation and poverty alleviation.
Mr. Muftau Umar, the head of the Small Scale Enterprises department in Kogi State, urged participants to utilize the opportunity to transform their lives through NDE’s life-changing programs. He emphasized the importance of shunning social vices and maximizing the benefits of the training.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Olorunfemi Esther expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and the NDE for their efforts in addressing unemployment. She pledged to utilize the skills acquired to contribute positively to the economy and make the NDE proud.
