NDE begins training of 700 Abia women, youths
By Leonard Egwim
National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Wednesday, commenced vocational skills training for 700 women and youths in Abia state.
The empowerment, which is in partnership with Mr Chidia Maduekwe, Managing Director and Chief Executive, Nigerian Film Corporation, held at Asaga, Ohafia in Ohafia Local Government Area.
Mr Steve Ogwumike, Head of Department, Vocational Skills Development of NDE, Abia, said it was part of the empowerment of 10,000 women and youths in the state by the agency.
Wawa News Global reports that the NDE had on Tuesday flagged off the empowerment nationwide.
Ogwumike, who expressed happiness on the impressive turnout of participants, said they would be trained for one week on production of liquid soap, cream and others.
He said the agency decided to train them on cosmetology because it is has a quick turnover.
According to him, the beneficiaries would be given a startup fund of about N500,000 under the micro-credit scheme, after the training programme.
“NDE is collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). As soon as they finish this training they will be given the forms to fill. We take it to CBN for funding immediately,” Ogwumike said.
Maduekwe said he decided to collaborate with the NDE because he was keen about building up capacity, adding “it is the people at the base of the pyramid that drives every economy.”
He said the programme was in line with the policy of the Federal Government that there was need to build a very robust social safety net.
“We decided to take the participants from the senatorial district perspective.Ohafia is the capital of Abia North.
“After this, we move to Abia Central and South, then cascade to the 17 local government areas in the state.A total of 10,000 women and youths will be empowered,” he said.
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