The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) says it recently concluded the nationwide resettlement of 5,532 beneficiaries trained in various skills under its Renewed Hope Employment Initiative.

The director-general of NDE, Silas Agara, said this on Sunday during the NDE Special Day at the ongoing 36th Enugu International Trade Fair.

The fair has the theme: “Developing Nigeria’s Industrial Sector SMEs for Economic Advancement and Global Recognition.”

Mr Agara was represented at the event by Edmond Owuliri,

the director, public research and statistics, NDE.

He said that the initiative was designed to equip unskilled and unemployed Nigerians with demand-driven skills to be self-employed, create wealth and reduce poverty.

He said that this year’s fair theme resonates deeply with the mandate of the NDE and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The director-general said that over the years, the agency had remained committed to creating jobs and empowering Nigerian citizens through various programmes and initiatives.

He outlined the programmes that drive the job creation efforts of the directorate to include the Small Scale Enterprises Programme, which he said fosters entrepreneurship and skills development among Nigerians leading to self-reliance.

“The rural employment promotion programme, that provides employment opportunities in rural areas, thereby reducing poverty and inequality through viable agricultural practices.

“The Special Public Works Programme: Implements public works projects that create jobs and stimulate local economies through infrastructural projects and stop-gap job opportunities.

“The Vocational Skills Development Programme: Equips Nigerians with vocational skills and enhances their employability and competitiveness.

“These programmes have been instrumental in promoting economic growth, reducing unemployment, and improving livelihoods across Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Agara said that the agency recognised the importance of collaboration and partnership in driving sustainable development.

He called on government agencies, private sector organisations and civil society groups to join hands with the NDE to promote the growth of SMEs.

“Together, we can create a more prosperous and inclusive economy that benefits all Nigerians,” he said.

Earlier, the president of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Odeiga Jideonwo, lauded the NDE for its role in growing SMEs and creating employment for millions of Nigerians.

He also commended the agency for its consistency in using the fair to showcase its numerous services to Nigerians and how they can take advantage of the services free of charge.

(NAN)