NDE disburse starter packs to 34 graduates of basic training scheme in Enugu

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Enugu has disbursed starter pack equipment to 34 out of 85 graduates on Community Basic Training Scheme (CBTS) at Amankpaka, Ugwogo-Nike in Enugu East LGA of Enugu State.

Presenting the starter packs to the graduates in Enugu on Friday, the Coordinator of the agency in the state,  Mrs Ifeoma Ezepue, explained that the disbursement was in line with NDE’s mandate to fight mass unemployment with emphasis of self reliance.

She said the graduates were trained on Fashion Designing, Catering, Aluminum Fabrication, Hair Dressing and Electrical Installation.

Ezepue said that the NDE, among other things, engaged 85 unemployed in the training noting that only 34 youths were resettled in the skills acquisition training.

She said the beneficiaries would also enjoy the privilege of not only being their own bosses but also employers of labour.

“You can imagine the multiplier effect of this modest effort in the next few years. Let me use this opportunity to advise the beneficiaries that to whom much is given, much is expected.

“While the NDE continues to provide programmes/skills to the unemployed youths in Enugu State, it is expected that they should put in their best to ensure that they succeed.

“We want to start hearing stories of your successes in the nearest possible time. These equipments to be given to you is a revolving soft loan with interest rate as low as nine percent.

“We expect you to start repaying according to the repayment schedule after the moratorium period to enable other unemployed youths benefit also.

“Those of you who are being resettled today constitute only a little fraction of the number of CBTS graduated trainees in the state, so do not let the bridge to break after you have crossed over.

She thanked the NDE Management for considering Enugu state worthy to conduct this resettlement exercise,” Ezepue said.

She, however, said that she would not end without expressing her gratitude to the Enugu State Government led by Mr Peter Mbah for the wonderful cooperation and support they rendered to the directorate.

The starter packs include hair Dryers, washing sets, hand dryers, sets of combs, sewing Machines, sewing kits, Arc welders and tools and others, and Cash of N120,000 for those that did not get equipment.