From Leo Zwànke, Lafia
In a significant push to reduce unemployment and promote economic growth, the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has launched an online registration portal aimed at enrolling 900,000 Nigerian youths in specialized skill development programs.
The Director General of the NDE, Silas Agara, made the announcement during a board meeting yesterday.
Agara described the initiative as a key component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s *Renewed Hope Agenda*, designed to equip young Nigerians with practical skills to enhance their employment opportunities. According to him, the program will run until October 28, 2024, offering participants a chance to access specialized training in various sectors.
“This initiative is a major step toward empowering our unemployed youths. We are committed to providing opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire the necessary skills that will help them create and secure jobs,” Agara stated.
The portal, accessible nationwide, is expected to streamline the registration process and broaden the reach of the NDE’s training programs. Agara emphasized that the platform is designed to be inclusive, targeting a minimum of ten participants from each electoral ward across the country.
“Our goal is to ensure that every part of Nigeria is represented. We are committed to giving equal opportunities to all youths, regardless of their geographical location. This program is open to everyone,” Agara assured.
He also highlighted the role of the media in raising awareness about the initiative. Agara urged journalists and media outlets to inform the public, especially the youth, about the ongoing registration.
“The media plays a crucial role in this process. We need your support to ensure that every young Nigerian is aware of this opportunity. This is a chance to change lives, and we cannot afford to leave anyone behind,” he said.
To ensure a fair and transparent selection process, notifications will be sent to eligible participants between October 29 and November 4, 2024. Agara reassured the public that the NDE would maintain the highest standards of integrity throughout the program’s implementation.
“We are fully committed to transparency and fairness. Our reputation as a pacesetter in service delivery depends on the credibility of this initiative, and we will ensure that no one is left out unfairly,” he said.
One key requirement for applicants is the provision of their National Identification Number (NIN). Agara explained that this step is necessary to prevent duplicate applications and ensure the program benefits as many young Nigerians as possible.
“As part of our effort to uphold the integrity of the process, we are requiring the NIN to prevent any form of fraud or duplicate applications. This way, we can maximize the number of beneficiaries,” he noted.
As Nigeria grapples with a high rate of youth unemployment, the NDE’s skills development initiative is viewed as a timely intervention. By equipping the nation’s youth with practical skills, the program is expected to reduce unemployment rates and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
“The success of this initiative is not just about job creation; it’s about fostering economic sustainability by enhancing the productivity of our youth,” Agara added.
