By
Moses Peter, Abakaliki
Following the efforts of Federal Government of Nigeria to combat unemployment and Youth restiveness in Nigeria, the National Directorate of Employment NDE has embarked on Settlement/Disbursement of Starter Packs to the Beneficiaries of School- On- Wheels SOW under the Vocational Skills Department.
The NDE Director-General, Malam Abubaka Nuhu disclosed this during the disbursement of the Starter Packs to the Beneficiaries of SOW at NDE State Office in Abakaliki the State Capital.
The Director-General, represented in the Program by the NDE State Coordinator, Pastor Don Anaba said “the School- On- Wheel SOW is a veritable skills Training Scheme where equiped mobile Training Workshop or Caravans are deployed to rural Areas to impact Skills to unemployed school leavers and other interested rural dwellers in our society to make them employable and self reliant”
He informed that the Objectives of the scheme are as follows: To give Vocational Skills training to the unemployed youths in the rural areas; To reduce rural- urban migration; To impact remarkable skills to the rural dwellers; To make up the gap in the rural areas where informal training outlets are non- existence and to take care of the needs of the rural communities
“Today, a total of 20 out of 50 unemployed youths and Women trained by NDE are receiving necessary and relevant starters packs/tools for a successful vocation skills ventures in over six trending skills including Cosmology, Fashion Design, Hair Dressing, Confectionery/small chop production, Barbing and Electrical Installations”
He added that the training which had duration of three months is conducted using the informal Master Craftsmen and women in the State.
He urged all the beneficiaries to take this empowerment tools serious in order to make the best of the opportunity.
The Director Vocational Skill Development Abuja Headquarters, Mr Isah Abdul, who was represented by the the Deputy Director Vocational Skill Development, Comrade Obinna Offia, who engaged the Trainees on interactive session on Vocational Management of workshop, Use of workshop, Occupational Safety and Health Measures , thanked the trainers and the instructors for the good jobs they have done so far on the side of the Trainees.
Comrade Offia advised the Trainees not to sell the equipments but to make good use of it.
The Head of Department HOD, Vocational Skill Development in the State, Mr Obiora Ananaba said it was a privilege from Nigeria Government to have trained and equiped you on different skills.
“I urge you to make good use of the equipments given to you by practicing what you have learnt. It is not only for employing you but also for you to become employers of labour” Ananaba Added.
The Head Loans Unit and Desk Officer on Cooperative Society, Mr Emeka Okoroafor urged the beneficiaries to form Cooperative Societies in order to get more funds from Government to do more meaningful business.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Skill Development and Job Creation Mr Okwu Oko Udu, who was represented in the Program by his Special Assistant, Mr Hycinth Imo encouraged thanked NDE for the wonderful empowerment program for Ebonyi people.
Mr Imo call for more collaboration between the State Ministry of Skill Development and Job Creation and NDE to achieve more in the State.
In appreciation, one of the beneficiaries, Miss Nwoke Favor on behalf of others thanked Nigeria Government and NDE for opting for their help.
Nwoke prayed for more people to be helped.