By Awayi Kuje
Lafia – The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Nasarawa State has disbursed N10,000 each to 190 women and youths across the 13 local government areas of the state in order to improve on their standard of living.
Alhaji Dauda Idris-Wase, the State Coordinator of NDE made this known on Friday during the disbursement of loans to 190 women and youths under NDE’s Micro Enterprises Enhancement Scheme (MEES).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the disbursement was in collaboration with the office of the First Lady of Nasarawa state.
Idris-Wase said that the sole objective of the exercise was to assist the beneficiaries to enhance or boost the operating capacity of the women and youths micro businesses for the overall development of the country.
“We are gathered here today to support and improve the economic and social well being of 190 women and youths who were mobilised.
“And actively supported by our women leaders and the office of the Nasarawa State First Lady.
“The beneficiaries will receive an empowerment package of N10,000 under the Directorate’s Micro Enterprises Enhancement Scheme (MEES).
“It is in line with President Buhari’s vision for ensuring a better means of livelihood for women, youths and the less privileged in our society,” he said.
Idris-Wase also disclosed that 390 participants are currently in the second month of a three months long vocational skills acquisition training in order to enable them become self reliant and contribute their quota to national development.
He urged the beneficiaries to develop the right attitude in the utilisation of the package in order to actualise the vision behind the MEES scheme.
The state coordinator commended the NDE’s Director General, Dr Nasir Ladan, for his continued efforts in creating job opportunities and reduce unemployment in the country.
Also speaking, Hajiya Silifat Abdullahi Sule, the First Lady of Nasarawa State, lauded the Federal Government for being up and doing in tackling unemployment in the country.
Mrs Sule, represented by Madam Larai Shekwo, the wife of the Nasarawa State APC Chairman, called on the beneficiaries and other Nigerians to support APC-led administration to enable them succeed in order to enjoy more dividends of democracy.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Occasion, Hajiya Hassana Nyelong, the APC Woman Leader, North Central Zone, appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for tackling unemployment through job creation in the country.
Responding, a beneficiary, Mrs Esther Luka, appreciated the Federal Government for the gesture and promised to utilise the fund judiciously.
(NAN)