The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has kicked off the second phase of its Renewed Hope Employment Initiatives (RHEI) in Abia State, targeting 1,188 unemployed youths for skills acquisition programmes.
The scheme, launched in Umuahia, is part of a broader nationwide rollout covering the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Declaring the programme open, the NDE Director General, Silas Ali Agara, represented by the State Coordinator, Tessy Wachuku, stated that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is supported by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Agara explained that the project seeks to reduce unemployment and poverty by equipping participants with hands-on training in vocational skills, entrepreneurship, agriculture, ICT, and public works. He added that over 41,000 Nigerians are expected to benefit nationwide under the second phase.
“This programme is a chance for participants to transform their future. I encourage all trainees to make the most of this opportunity,” he said. Agara also noted that lessons from the first phase had prompted innovations, including a digitised registration portal with geofenced verification to ensure transparency and fairness.
The Head of Vocational Skills Development, Chinyere Onyekwere, applauded the support of dignitaries present and urged the trainees to stay focused and committed.
The flag-off attracted stakeholders from state and federal agencies, including representatives of the Ministry of Works, Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, and the Ministry of Labour and Productivity.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Ngozichi Onwuso thanked the federal government and the NDE, pledging that the participants would maximize the opportunity to build sustainable livelihoods.
