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NDE distributes sewing machines, other items worth N1.6m to 20 youths

Published

9 months ago

August 18, 2023

NDE distributes sewing machines, other items worth N1.6m to 20 youths

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

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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.

NDE distributes sewing machines, other items worth N1.6m to 20 youths

(NAN)

Related Topics:NDE sewing machines youths

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British High Commission shuns Prince Harry, Meghan ceremonies in Nigeria

Published

2 hours ago

May 11, 2024

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

British High Commission shuns Prince Harry, Meghan ceremonies in Nigeria

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s visit to Nigeria has stirred up disquiet at the British High Commission in Abuja, as their presence went unacknowledged by relevant officials.

Despite the couple’s arrival in the populous nation and various welcoming activities, including meetings with military authorities and dignitaries, the British High Commission’s social media handles remained silent on their visit.

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, clarified in an interview that the visit was in a private capacity and not arranged or facilitated by the commission. Hence, they were not representing the UK government’s work during their time in Nigeria.

During their visit to Kaduna, Prince Harry emphasized the importance of sports in the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers, focusing on meeting with Nigerian armed forces veterans.

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The couple’s decision to step down as senior royals in 2020, amidst frustrations over media intrusion and restrictions on developing their brand, “SussexRoyal,” was highlighted. They retained their titles but relinquished their royal highness status and Harry gave up his military titles.

Allegations surfaced regarding Prince Harry’s absence from a flight that carried other royal family members to visit Queen Elizabeth II before her passing. Reports suggest an argument ensued due to Harry’s insistence on bringing Meghan Markle to Balmoral, causing him to miss the flight.

The visit to Nigeria served as an opportunity for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to engage with wounded veterans and promote rehabilitation efforts, despite the absence of official acknowledgment from the British High Commission.

British High Commission shuns Prince Harry, Meghan ceremonies in Nigeria

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Soldiers killing: Okuama returnees collapse on seeing destroyed homes

Published

2 hours ago

May 11, 2024

Trends Admin

Soldiers killing: Okuama returnees collapse on seeing destroyed homes

On returning to Okuama-Ewu community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, following the withdrawal of the Nigerian Army, many residents, particularly mothers, collapsed upon seeing their homes in ruins.

A report by Vanguard which visited the community revealed a distressing scene as some residents experienced a sudden rise in blood pressure upon witnessing the extent of the destruction, requiring hours to recover. Amidst the chaos, returning villagers expressed bewilderment and sorrow over their situation.

Sixty-five-year-old Maria Adam, who fled Okuama-Ewu in March only to return in May, described her shock, saying, “On arrival when I saw the level of destruction, I fainted and was revived because I suffered hypertension.” She recounted the loss of her belongings and appealed for government assistance, expressing uncertainty about rebuilding their lives.

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Similarly, Vero Joseph, a 68-year-old farmer, shared her dismay upon seeing the devastation, stating, “On arrival at the community and seeing the devastation, I fell terribly sick; nothing is left here.” She detailed the destruction of homes and essential items, emphasizing the challenges of starting anew but expressed a preference for returning to her hometown over seeking refuge elsewhere.

Fifty-two-year-old farmer Florence Ekiroro collapsed at the jetty overwhelmed by the realization of their homelessness, saying, “I collapsed at the jetty because we have become homeless.” She described the loss of essential belongings and rejected the idea of relocating to an IDP camp, citing the unfavorable conditions compared to their community.

Victoria Paul, a 58-year-old trader and farmer, recounted her ordeal, stating, “On arrival and seeing the gravity of damages, I fainted but was revived.” She lamented the destruction of her provisions business and personal belongings, despite finding solace in her community and beginning fishing to sustain her family.

Grace Okoye, a 55-year-old trader and farmer, expressed deep distress over the loss of her possessions, including her children’s academic documents and savings. She said, “On return, I feel very distressed and because everything I have had been destroyed. What pained me most were my children’s results and my building. I lost my boxes of wrappers and N200,000 cash in the house.

Soldiers killing: Okuama returnees collapse on seeing destroyed homes

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Fuel scarcity will be over soon, says Senate leader

Published

2 hours ago

May 11, 2024

Trends Admin

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele

Fuel scarcity will be over soon, says Senate leader

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele provided reassurance to Nigerians that the ongoing fuel crisis will soon be resolved, expressing this commitment during an interview at the Oil Technology Conference in Houston, Texas.

Bamidele emphasized the legislature’s dedication to addressing fuel scarcity and long queues at filling stations, highlighting plans to engage additional private-sector entities in constructing new refineries.

“The Senate is working to ensure that more private-sector players are licensed to own and operate refineries. This is to support other smaller ones that are springing up in several parts of the country.

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“In addition to licensing new refinery operators, the Federal Government and Senate are working to ensure that the existing refineries are turned around with repairs and replacement of parts carried out where necessary,” he said.

Bamidele said the Senate had received an assurance from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited that two of its refineries in Warri and Port Harcourt would come on stream before the end of the year.

He also noted that the commitment to licensing new refinery operators and revitalising existing refineries remained vital for increasing domestic oil production.

Opeyemi maintained that the focus was to ensure that Nigeria meets its OPEC production quota.