By Leo Zwànke, Lafia
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has rolled out the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI), a bold program designed to train 93,731 unemployed Nigerians, emphasizing inclusivity and skill development.
Speaking during the official launch at the NDE Skills Acquisition Center in Kuduru, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, on Friday, the Director General of the NDE, Silas Agara, highlighted the initiative’s objective of equipping participants with essential digital and entrepreneurial skills to combat Nigeria’s rising unemployment.
“The initiative is set to engage 93,731 unskilled and unemployed persons across the country,” Agara said. “Inclusivity remains a core aspect, ensuring at least 10 individuals from each of the 8,809 electoral wards benefit from 30 skill sets under four core programs.”
The training, scheduled to last three months, will take place concurrently across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It will focus on vocational skills, small-scale enterprises, rural employment promotion, and special public works. Notably, 3,000 slots have been allocated to persons with special needs, with each state and the FCT hosting 81 participants in this category.
Upon completion, participants will receive tools, equipment, and startup capital to enable them to launch their ventures. The NDE is also collaborating with credit institutions to provide comprehensive support. “We are determined to resettle participants into productive entrepreneurial pursuits,” Agara stated.
A key feature of the initiative is its emphasis on digital literacy. Agara announced plans to train 4,000 participants in Information Communication Technology (ICT) and digital skills, describing it as vital for fostering a sustainable employment framework. “Under my leadership, the directorate is leveraging advanced technology to design and implement this program,” he added.
In addition to skill acquisition, the NDE has introduced a mentorship program to pair participants with experienced business leaders for guidance and motivation. “This mentorship initiative will help beneficiaries overcome challenges and establish successful ventures, fostering resilience and growth,” Agara explained.
To ensure sustained success, the NDE will monitor participants’ progress post-training and use feedback to improve future initiatives. “By evaluating success stories and addressing challenges from previous cohorts, we aim to refine our programs to better meet the needs of unemployed Nigerians,” Agara noted.
The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative aligns with the NDE’s broader mission of tackling unemployment and promoting economic growth. Through this comprehensive strategy, the directorate aims to build a resilient workforce and empower individuals to contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.
