FG launches ‘Renewed Hope Employment Initiative’ in Oyo to tackle youth unemployment
The federal government has launched the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative in Oyo State, a collaborative effort between the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Speaking at the unveiling in Ibadan, NDE Director-General Dr. Silas Agara, represented by Oyo State NDE coordinator, Steve-Ogundipe Olayinka, highlighted the program’s focus on empowering unemployed youths.
He explained that the initiative aims to build the strength and confidence of young people, providing them with opportunities and resources to enhance their self-esteem and economic independence.
He said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing efforts to reduce unemployment nationwide.
Agara revealed that the program targets engaging 93,731 unskilled and unemployed individuals across Nigeria, with NDE working tirelessly to achieve significant reductions in the national unemployment rate.
He said: “It is worthy to note that under the Renewed Hope Mass Employment Creation Initiative, the Directorate today officially kick-starts vocational, agricultural and entrepreneurial skills training with complementing transient job opportunities in the public works sector using over 30 different skill sets.
“This job creation initiative of the NDE finds effective expression in six out of the eight priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“It is expected that you that start-up capital, equipment and working tools would be provided for deserving participants at the end of the training while others will be linked to credit granting institutions to access loans to commence medium or large scale businesses.
“This job creation initiative is designed to empower the unemployed and unsklled school leavers through sklls training in trendy vocational and technical skills for them to be self-reliant and contribute to the economic development which would in-turn boost the GDP.
“Once again, I wish to congratulate you all for the golden opportunity bestowed on you by the Federal Government to fulfil your long-time dream to be skilled and self-reliant. My sincere advice to you is to let every minute of the training count in your lives.
He, however, commended Oyo State Government, all council chairmen, other stakeholders and master trainers for their support which has helped to continuously impact the needed vocational skills on unemployed youths in the State.
