By Awayi Kuje

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has disbursed starter packs worth N1.6 million to 20 beneficiaries under School- On- Wheels (SOW) training in Nasarawa State.

Mr Chris Bamsida, the State NDE Coordinator disclosed this during the loan disbursement ceremony to 20 beneficiaries of SOW in Lafia on Thursday.

‘’We are gathered here today to disburse starter packs to the 20 selected beneficiaries who underwent three months intensive training in fashion and designing and leather work.

Bamsida said that the scheme sought to provide the youth with skills to learn, work and live as productive citizens in a globalised society.

“This will help to create employment opportunities for others through multiplier effects

” To curb societal crimes and youth restiveness due to unemployment and its attendant social vices, such as kidnapping, prostitution, drug addiction and child trafficking,” he said.

The state coordinator also said that the SOW training focused on addressing skills gaps in rural and sub- urban communities.

” It is an initiative that is directed at providing the youth with the tools to project their originality, drive innovations, unlock opportunities and secure livelihood wherever they go.

” It is one of the directorate broad responses to multidimensional poverty occasioned by youth unemployment,” he said

Bamsida further said that each participant would benefit from items worth N80,000 to enable them establish 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 20 beneficiaries.

” The beneficiaries and their trainers are duly carried out along in the purchase of the items.

“SOW resettlement is a loan that ought to be repaid accordingly,” he said.

The state coordinator said that the loan would attract nine per cent interest with a moratorium period of six months before repayment start and would last for three years.

He urged the beneficiaries to use the items for the intended purposes to better their lots and for the overall development of the country.

He also called on well-meaning individuals and organisations to collaborate with the directorate in tackling unemployment in the society.

Bamside thanked Gov. Abdullahi Sule, for creating an enabling environment for the directorate to thrive in its continous efforts to generate  employment, alleviate poverty and create Jobs.

” I appreciate and thank the NDE Director General, Malam Abubakar Fikpo for his innovative approach and for considering Nasarawa State in programme implementation,” he said

Balkisu Ibrahim, a staff of NDE, Abuja urged the beneficiaries to use the items to change their lives positively and be employers of labour.

” This is a loan given to you by NDE, it is not free and please you should not sell  the items,” she said.

She  commended the NDE director general for ensuring the training of Nigerians in different skills to help develop the nation.

In his goodwill messages,  Dr Idris Umar, the General Manager, Nasarawa state Vocational and Relevant Technology Board also urged the beneficiaries to maintain the items received,

Umar, represented by Mr Suleiman Sallau, Director, Skills Acquisition of the board assured of the board’s continued partnership with NDE to tackle unemployment in the country.

Mr Abubakar Jamilu, a beneficiary thanked NDE for the gesture and promised to ensure judicious use of the items.

The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the starter packs disbursed includes  10 sewing machines and 10 leather work items.( NAN)

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