The National Directorate of Employment on Thursday launched the second phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, with a target to train 41,307 Nigerians across the country, as Gombe contributes no fewer than 1,103.

Our correspondent reports the training includes vocational, entrepreneurial, agricultural, ICT and public works skills.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Gombe, the Director-General of the NDE, Silas Agara, said the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction.

“It is my pleasure to welcome you to the commencement of the second phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, with a target to train 41,307 Nigerians across the country, out of which Gombe State has 1,103 beneficiaries,” Agara said.

Represented by the State Coordinator Mawa Lamu, the DG added, “In 2024, the Directorate made strides in fulfilling its mandate of employment generation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”

The first phase of the programme, which was launched nationwide on December 6, 2024, trained 32,692 unemployed Nigerians in different skills across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. According to Agara, the beneficiaries acquired vocational and ICT competencies, while others benefited from agricultural and small-scale enterprise support.

He added, “A total of 5,532 beneficiaries were resettled with loans and starter packs, while others were linked to credit-granting institutions under our soft loan scheme.”

Building on those successes, Agara disclosed that the NDE had improved its processes for the second phase. “We have digitised our registration portal with scalable backends and geofenced capabilities. This has made our processes more transparent, fair and equitable, while providing us with a credible database,” he explained.

To ensure inclusivity, a minimum of four trainees were selected from each of the 8,809 electoral wards in Nigeria, bringing representation from all 36 states and the FCT.

“Furthermore, a total of 14,457 beneficiaries will be resettled with starter packs to help them establish themselves in their chosen fields. At the end of the second phase of RHEI 2, participants will be equipped with skills to enhance employability, foster entrepreneurship, improve livelihoods and contribute to national economic growth.”

Agara admitted that the NDE continues to face challenges of limited budgetary resources but stressed that the Directorate remains committed to equipping unemployed Nigerians with demand-driven skills.

“Despite the challenges, our goal remains to empower individuals to become employers of labour and wealth creators in the near future,” he noted.

Congratulating the new trainees, Agara encouraged them to take full advantage of the opportunity. “You made it through a rigorous and thorough registration process that speaks to your potential,” he said. “I urge you to make the best use of this opportunity to better your lives, your communities and the nation at large.”

He then formally declared the programme open, adding, “It is my singular honour and privilege to flag off the training component of the Second Phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative.”

Master trainer, Haruna Ahmed, urged them to change the narrative by giving their best, adding, “Do not sell the starter packs given to you. Instead, use them to create wealth.”

Director Education Resource Centre, Gombe, Kabir Mahdi, urged the participants to utilise the opportunity well, stressing, “If you apply what you learnt, you will become better for it, you will not remain the same.”

One of the beneficiaries, Jabir Dahiru, lauded NDE for the opportunity, saying, “I’m grateful to NDE for the opportunity. We will maximise the benefits of the training.”

It was earlier reported that the NDE had opened online registration for Phase Two of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, aimed at tackling unemployment and equipping Nigerians with vocational and digital skills.

Director-General of the NDE, Mr Silas Agara, announced the launch of the registration portal and the supporting digital infrastructure in Abuja.

“After the success of Phase One, we have enhanced our infrastructure to make Phase Two fully digital.

“We have deployed robust hardware, software, and internet connectivity to all 37 states, including the FCT, to ensure seamless operations,” Agara said.

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