By Leo Abel Zwànke
In a time when Nigeria faces unprecedented economic challenges, Silas Agara, the Director General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), has emerged as a transformative force, driving innovative solutions to tackle unemployment and empower citizens at the grassroots.
Under his leadership, the NDE has evolved beyond a conventional employment agency into a hub of opportunity, skill development, and entrepreneurship—embodying the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Agara’s vision is clear: to equip Nigerians, particularly the youth, with the tools needed to build sustainable livelihoods and compete on the global stage. His unwavering commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and impactful governance is redefining what leadership in public service truly means.
The Renewed Hope Agenda, championed by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, forms the backbone of Agara’s leadership at the NDE. Through this agenda, he is striving to ensure that the benefits of economic empowerment and skill acquisition reach those often left behind in Nigeria’s development journey—particularly at the grassroots level. This agenda, stakeholders say, is not just a policy blueprint but a lifeline for millions struggling to find meaningful livelihoods.
Vocational and Technical Skill Revolution
One of Agara’s flagship initiatives at the NDE is the empowerment of Nigerian youth with specialized vocational and technical skills. Dr. Mustapha Idris, a development expert and advocate for youth empowerment, explains the significance of this move:
> “What Agara has done with skill acquisition programes is remarkable. By focusing on vocational training, he is addressing a critical gap—giving young Nigerians the tools to become self-reliant and competitive in today’s evolving global economy. It’s not just about jobs but about creating wealth and fostering innovation.”
Indeed, Agara’s leadership is rooted in the philosophy that empowerment begins with equipping individuals with marketable skills. Programes under his watch range from agriculture, construction, and ICT, to specialized artisan training. These initiatives have already begun to yield tangible results, with graduates of NDE training programes establishing small-scale enterprises across various sectors.
Partnerships: Collaboration for Impact
Agara highlights that meaningful progress cannot be achieved in isolation. To this end, his tenure has been marked by strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including the private sector, development agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
Dr. Halima Mohammed, a social entrepreneur and advocate for economic inclusion, commended Agara’s inclusive approach: “Silas Agara’s leadership style prioritizes collaboration, and this is a game-changer. By engaging stakeholders, including the private sector and development partners, he is creating a synergy that drives sustainable economic empowerment. The NDE’s collaborations are bridging critical resource gaps and creating opportunities for innovation.”
Under his leadership, the NDE has rolled out joint programes that provide funding, mentorship, and market access to budding entrepreneurs. From women cooperatives to youth-focused businesses, Agara’s initiatives have ignited a renewed spirit of entrepreneurship across Nigeria.
From Deputy Governor to National Pathfinder
Silas Agara’s tenure as Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State remains a pivotal foundation for his current successes. As a public servant, he demonstrated a strong commitment to improving infrastructure, enhancing service delivery, and addressing local developmental needs.
Hon. Musa Ibrahim, a community leader in Nasarawa, highlighted Agara’s enduring impact: “Silas Agara has always been a leader with a people-first mindset. As Deputy Governor, his focus on education, healthcare, and infrastructure laid the groundwork for sustainable development. It is no surprise that his vision for the NDE aligns with his proven dedication to empowering the masses.”
This governance experience has shaped Agara’s understanding of grassroots challenges and opportunities, enabling him to design tailored interventions that resonate with the realities of everyday Nigerians.
Renewed Hope: Beyond Employment to Sustainable Livelihoods
What sets Silas Agara apart is his belief that employment initiatives must transcend temporary solutions. His vision is to create sustainable livelihood, a mission that aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. By empowering individuals and nurturing their entrepreneurial potential, Agara is driving long-term economic resilience in communities.
Kingsley Onochie, a policy analyst, describes Agara’s impact as transformative: “The NDE, under Silas Agara, is no longer just an employment agency—it’s a hub for innovation, skill development, and entrepreneurship. His emphasis on sustainable livelihoods is reshaping how we approach unemployment in Nigeria.”
A Champion of Democracy’s Dividends
Silas Agara’s leadership at the NDE reflects an unwavering commitment to ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach the most vulnerable. His work is transforming lives at the grassroots, aligning perfectly with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of economic inclusion and prosperity for all.
In a recent address, Agara re-emphasized his dedication:“The Renewed Hope Agenda is about empowering Nigerians to take charge of their futures. At the NDE, our goal is to create opportunities where they are most needed—at the grassroots level.”
Silas Agara’s tenure as Director General of the NDE marks a defining chapter in Nigeria’s efforts to combat unemployment and economic marginalization. Through visionary leadership, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to grassroots empowerment, he has positioned the NDE as a catalyst for change.
Stakeholder, Technocrats are of the view that as Nigeria navigates its economic challenges, Silas Agara’s leadership shines as a testament to what is possible when vision, collaboration, and action converge.
