NDE empowers 26 graduates of Environmental Beautification Training Scheme in Gombe
…..warns against selling equipment
Chima Azubuike
The Federal Government through the National Directorate of Employment has provided starter packs to graduates of Environmental Beautification Training Scheme under the Special Public Works Department.
Our correspondent reports that out of 30 trained in 2021, 26 were empowered with requisite equipment to begin Hard land scaping, Soft land scaping and Plaster laster of Paris.
Speaking, Director-General of NDE Abubakar Fikpo, urged the beneficiaries to utilise the equipment for the right reasons in order to boost their businesses, stressing that repayment starts after six months moratorium on installment.
Fikpo who was represented by Roseline Olaomi, noted that the beneficiaries should consider themselves fortunate by working assidiously to return the loans, adding that 962 unemployed Nigerians would have benefited from the EBTS packages nationwide.
The DG said, “Last but not the least, to the beneficiaries; we say ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’. Please, be good ambassadors of this Directorate’s gesture by not only using these equipment to better your lots only but also, be ready to take on subsequent beneficiaries of the intervention on internship in the nearest future.
“Please note that these equipment and tools are loan packages and not a piece of the National cake. You are expected to commence repayment of the loan after expiration of the 6 months moratorium on installment so that others can benefit. I pray the Almighty God to bless the works of your Hands and you will indeed profit from the business.”
Fikpo also commended Gombe Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, for the environment, “which has made it possible for the NDE to continually implement all her programmes and activities without hitch. This has further culminated into today’s elaborate event,” he added.
Also speaking, NDE Zonal Director, Alao Ismail, urged the beneficiaries to remain committed, adding that “out of 30 persons trained 26 of you in Gombe are benefiting from this empowerment.”
On his part, State Coordinator of Gombe NDE Jediel Stephen, explained that the empowerment was expected to improve their living standards, adding that “to create a sustainable employment and wealth under this empowerment scheme, It was a herculean task choosing only 26 graduates of EBTS from the large number who have shown interest in participating in this programme. A total sum of N3,940,000 will be disbursed to the 26 participants, So you count yourself amongst the lucky ones.”
