Lafia, – The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has distributed sewing machines and other items worth N1.6 million to twenty beneficiaries under the School- On- Wheels (SOW) training in Nasarawa State.
Mr Chris Bamsida, the NDE Coordinator in the state, disclosed this during the disbursement of the items to the beneficiaries on Thursday in Lafia.
Bamsida said that the scheme sought to provide youths with skills to learn, work and live as productive citizens in a globalised society.
He added that the SOW training focuses on addressing skills gaps in rural and sub- urban communities.
‘’We are gathered here today to disburse starter packs to the twenty selected beneficiaries who underwent three months intensive training in fashion designing and leather work.
“This will help to create employment opportunities for others through its multiplier effects
“This gesture will curb youth restiveness and other societal crimes due to unemployment which largely leads to social vices such as kidnapping, prostitution, drug addiction and child trafficking, among others.
“So, this initiative is directed at providing the youths with the tools to project their originality, drive innovations, unlock opportunities and secure livelihood wherever they go.
” It is one of our broad responses to multi-dimensional poverty occasioned by youth unemployment,” he said
Bamsida further said that the beneficiaries were presented with N80,000 each, adding that the cash was to enable them set up workshops and business outlets.
” The sum of N1.6 million was used for the direct purchase of sundry items in two skills sets for the beneficiaries,”he said.
The coordinator, however, explained that the items disbursed were loans that would be repaid in due course.
He further explained that the loan would attract nine per cent interest with a moratorium period of six months, adding that repayment period would last for three years.
He urged the beneficiaries to put the items into good use in order to better their lots, that of their families and the society in general.
Bamside, who thanked Gov. Abdullahi Sule of the state for his support, called on individuals and groups to collaborate with the NDE toward tackling the spate of unemployment in the society.
Balkisu Ibrahim, an NDE staff from Abuja, urged the beneficiaries to use the items to improve their sources of livelihoods.
” This is a loan given to you by NDE, it is not free and please you should not sell the items but use it to improve your lives,” she said.
In a brief remarks, Dr Idris Umar, the General Manager, Nasarawa state Vocational and Relevant Technology Board, urged the beneficiaries to ensure proper maintainance of the items presented to them
Umar, represented by Mr Suleiman Sallau, Director, Skills Acquisition of the board, promised to sustain the current partnership with NDE toward tackle unemployment in the country.
Mr Abubakar Jamilu, a beneficiary thanked NDE for the gesture and promised to put the items and cash to good use.(NAN)
