EBONYI
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Ebonyi on Wednesday, trained 30 women and youths in Basic Business Skills (BBT) under its Small-Scale Enterprises Department (SSED).
The Director-General of NDE, Alhaji Abubakar Nuhu-Fikpo said in Abakaliki, that the trainees were drawn from communities, cutting across the 13 local government area of the state.
Fikpo, represented by Mr Don Anaba, Coordinator of NDE in Ebonyi, said at inauguration of the four-day training that the trainees were the beneficiaries of the Enviropreneuship Development Scheme (EDS) of the agency.
He explained that the programme was one of the job creation scheme of the special public works department which focus on the use of environmental problems and social secietal needs to meet the economic objectives of business organisations.
“It will bring market principals in resolving environmental problems by improving environmental sustainability and social contribution to the society.
“The major objectives are to impact the skills of recycling existing waste materials and resources on the unemployed youths for the benefit of the present and future generations,” Fikpo said.
The Director-General also explained that the scheme was in line to reduce to the barest minimal the impact of climate change on the environment.
“It also focuses on producing various products and services from societal waste to satisfy human needs and sustain businesses,” he added.
Mr Sunday Apakasa, Director of SSE, NDE Abuja, who was represented by Mrs Queeneth Nnadi Abuja noted that the programme and was mainly for artisans on how to convert waste to wealth.
Apakasa urged the participants to pay attention and always remember there is “dignity in labour.”
“Pay attention and whatever you do, do it deligently and the nation and reduce unemployment,” he advised.
Dr Ekea Ewa, Head of Department, Small Scale Enterprise (SSE), Ebonyi Office urged the beneficiaries to be dedicated in the training in order become self-reliance.
A beneficiary, Emmanuel Eluu thanked NDE, especially the federal government for putting the programme and promised to learn in order to establish business.