42 youths get NDE N4.2m loan in Gombe, FG empowers 393 with starter packs in North-East
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE), has given loan of N100,000 to 42 youths trained in various schemes under the Rural Employment Promotion (REP), Department.
Our Correspondent reports that the schemes include; 2022 Community-based Agricultural empowerment scheme, 2022 Agricultural Enhancement Scheme, 2022 Graduate Agricultural Empowerment Scheme and 2022 Sustainable Agricultural Empowerment Scheme.
Presenting the N4.2m loans to beneficiaries Director General of NDE Fikpo Nuhu, said they were carefully selected and trained in both theory and practicals of modern Agricultural farming.
Nuhu, who was represented by State Coordinator Jediel Stephen added, “this will lead to self-employment, poverty reduction and wealth creation in livestock management and market gardening.”
Also speaking, Director of REP Dr. Duke Edem, urged beneficiaries to use the money to enhance their business conditions.
Edem, who was represented by Nkem Ekeamadi, said “this loan will go a long way in helping the youths and women to improve livelihoods, food security and we should remember that we will return the money after a minimum of three years.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq, said 393 beneficiaries were trained in baking and catering; tailoring and embroidery and auto mechanic, adding that they would earn N10,000 monthly for six.
Farouq, who was represented by Deputy Director Department of Planning, Research and Statistics, Ali Garba, warned against selling of starter packs provided by the ministry.
According to the Minister, “We selected 393 beneficiaries from six states of the region and for the past six weeks they have been undergoing training. This is a job creation programme. We will give them 10,000 for the next six months.”
