By Tony Ita Etim - Uyo
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has empowered 750 youths and women of Akwa Ibom State in the last 11 months.
State Coordinator of the programme, Mrs. Patience Osunkwo, disclosed this in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Osunkwo explained that the empowerment was done in partnership with six local government areas in Akwa Ibom State.
She named that the six local government areas that partnered with the directorate to include Okobo-140, Ibeno-100, Ikono-120, Ika-120, Ikot Ekpene -120 and Essien Udim-150. “We have trained them in these marketable trades like welding and fabrication, plumbing, catering, hairdressing, computer operation, and GSM repairs.
“Other areas of skill training include outboard engine maintenance, video production, photography and cane production.
“The training lasted for a period of six months and within this period the trainees were paid transport allowance of N5, 000 each by the local government areas some were paid N10, 000 with one meal per day,” Osunkwo said.
The coordinator said that all the trainees that have graduated were given starter packs by respective council areas to enable them start business of their own and employ others. She added that the trainees were made to sit for Trade Test Examination and National Technical Examination Board Examination to enable them get employment with some public organisations.
Osunkwo said most of the trainees have been employed by some organisations while some have started their own business and employed others in the state.
The coordinator said that the agency also collaborated with a non-governmental organisation known as E-Enable in the state to train 50 physically challenged persons in seven skills.
She said the 21 men and 29 women vulnerable persons have all been settled after the graduation by the NGO.
Osunkwo said this was in fulfillment of their mandate to create jobs and empower youths across the country and reduce poverty and youth restiveness.
She appealed to other local government areas, political office holders and organisations to emulate the six LGAs that have set example to key into the Federal Government Transformation Agenda.
She assured that the NDE would continue to assist in the area of providing manpower and technical knowledge to reduce unemployment in the country.
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