By Awayi Kuje
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Nasarawa State, has commenced the training of 100 unemployed youths and women, on Techno Cultural Craft and Quick-Fix.
Mr Chris Bamsida, the State Coordinator of NDE, who made this known on Wednesday, during a combined orientation ceremony for 100 selected trainees in Lafia, said the training was to help beneficiaries become self-reliant.
Bamsida said that the scheme was to also help young persons acquire functional skills, and earn legitimate income that would enable them contribute their quota to the development of the state, and the country at large.
According to him, I address you on this joyous occasion of the combined orientation of selected unskilled, unemployed youth and women of 50 Quick Fix training and 50 Techno cultural craft training scheme( Tech Craft).
“To revamp indigenous crafts that stand the risk of extinction, to produce a new generation of youths that take pride in practicing indigenous skills.
“To provide gainful employment to the unemployed youths and women, especially in rural and sub-urban areas; to provide source of foreign exchange in view of the high demand for indigenous crafts and artefacts.
“And to curb societal crimes and youth restiveness due to unemployment,” he said.
Bamsida also explained that the quick fix training was aimed at inculcating marketable skills in trainees within a short period.
“The Techno cultural craft Training Scheme (Tech craft), is a new scheme of NDE that connotes talent, tradition and technology.
“The scheme seeks to deploy local and indigenous talents, using traditional technology to solve societal problems.
“It is worthy of note that these two schemes have the inherent potentials of providing the human capital needed for the onerous task of nation building amidst the rising rate of unemployment in the country.
“They are weaving, blacksmithing and artisanal aluminium craft; and for the Quick Fix, five easily acquired skills set were also selected.
“They are cosmetology, barbing, confectionary, make-up art and interior decoration,” he added.
The state coordinator disclosed that 3,700 trainees were recruited into both schemes and were currently undergoing training nation-wide
Bamsida thanked Gov. Abdullahi Sule for creating an enabling environment for the directorate to realize its vision of ” jobs for all” in the state.
” I most sincerely appreciate and thank the Director – General, NDE Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo (FCE, FITD, FANPA) for his numerous initiatives towards employment generation, poverty reduction and wealth creation,” he said.
“The Quick Fix programme is scheduled to last for four weeks, while the Tech Craft scheme will last for three months,” he said.
He urged the participants to exhibit high level of commitment, hard work, honesty and discipline for a successful apprenticeship.
Also speaking, Mrs Lisa Onyedinefu, Vocational Skill Development Officer 11 (VSDO 11), NDE Headquarters Abuja, called on the participants to take the training serious in order to excel in life.
Onyedinefu appreciated the NDE for supporting the different good policies and programmes that would improve the lives of unemployed Nigerians.
In the same vein, Dr Idris Umar, the General Manager of Nasarawa State Vocational and Relevant Technology Board (VRTB), also appreciated NDE for training the youths and other people of the state in different skills.
Idris, who was represented by Mr Umar El-Adam, Manager, Lafia Centre of VRTB, assured all stakeholders of effective partnership and collaboration with the NDE, in order to tackle unemployment in the state.
Responding, Monica John, a beneficiary, who spoke on behalf of others, thanked NDE for the gesture and pledged their commitment to utilising the opportunity provided by the training. (NAN)