NDE Trains 261 Cross River Youths, Provides Soft Loans for Business Startups

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has successfully trained and resettled 261 youths in Cross River State under the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI). As part of the program, the beneficiaries have been shortlisted for soft loans and starter packs to help them establish micro-enterprises.

This initiative is part of a broader nationwide effort that has equipped over 5,532 individuals with the necessary skills and financial support to launch small-scale businesses. Speaking at the resettlement and closing ceremony in Calabar, the Cross River State Coordinator of the National Productivity Centre, Emeka Okoli, emphasized the importance of the program, which began in December 2024.

He highlighted that RHEI is designed to create employment opportunities, support small-scale enterprises, enhance agricultural productivity, improve rural infrastructure, and provide temporary jobs for Nigerian youths. He urged beneficiaries to make effective use of the resettlement tools provided, stressing that their success would contribute to local economic development.

Over the past three months, the NDE has trained 33,692 unemployed Nigerian youths, women, and Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) in various skills, including vocational training, entrepreneurship, and business management.

The Director-General of NDE, Silas Agara, represented at the event by the Cross River State Acting Coordinator, Anthony Moloa, reiterated that the program was designed to provide employment opportunities for youths, women, and physically challenged individuals.

During the ceremony, beneficiaries received cash grants and essential business tools such as sewing machines, pressing irons, and hair dryers to support their entrepreneurial journey. Expressing gratitude, one of the beneficiaries, Agnes Arop, thanked the Federal Government for the empowerment initiative and pledged to utilize the support effectively to improve her livelihood.