NDE trains 50 persons on quick-fix, demand-driven scheme in Enugu

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE), has commenced the training of 50 unemployed persons on quick-Fix demand-driven training scheme in Enugu State. The NDE Director General (DG), Mallam Abubakar Fikpo, said in a message to the opening session of the event in Enugu on Monday, that the agency had the mandate to fight mass unemployment with emphasis on self-reliance. He said that Enugu State should count itself lucky for being among the states in the country selected for the three-month training. Fikpo, represented by the State Coordinator, NDE, Mr Eugene Agu, said the training was organised under the Vocational Skills Acquisition Training Programme. He said the training was aimed at equipping the participants with the necessary skills needed to survive in the current harsh economic realities. He said the training would not only make the beneficiaries their own bosses and self-reliant but also employers of labour. The DG, however, encouraged them to count themselves lucky to be part of the programme and as such take it seriously. He commended Enugu State Government for the cooperation and support given to the directorate. In the same vein, the Director of Vocal Skilled Department (VSD), Mallam Isa Abdu, congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to take the exercise seriously. Abdu, represented by a deputy director in the directorate, Mr Obinna Offia, said that the training would add value to the lives of the unemployment persons in the society. He advised them to always package their products well after the training in order to excel. The Head of VSD in Enugu, Mrs Nwamaka Okonkwo, urged the participants to pay attention to the training which she said would take them to greater heights. According to Okonkwo, no skill is greater than the other but all depends on presentation and packaging. She listed the skills to be gained to include cosmetology, beauty therapy, small chops, interior decoration and bead stringing. One of the beneficiaries, Miss Chinaza Ebele, thanked the NDE for the opportunity to be part of the training. She asked God for knowledge that would enable them grab whatever they would learn. (NAN)