The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has disbursed agribusiness facilities to 48 unemployed persons in Imo State.
NDE’s director-general, Mallam Abubakar Nuhu-Fikpo presented the facilities to beneficiaries of the directorate’s Agricultural Enhancement Scheme (AES) in Owerri.
Nuhu-Fikpo, represented by the directorate’s coordinator in the state, Mrs Chisara Egwim-Chima, said that the AES was initiated by the NDE’s Department of Rural Employment Promotion (REP) to fight poverty through citizens empowerment, job creation and unemployment reduction.
He said that the beneficiaries, drawn from the 27 council areas of the state, are expected to invest the facilities in the agribusiness sector and make profit along the value chain overtime, having been trained in various REP schemes.
He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the resources by embracing self-employment as a deliberate choice to become self-reliant, create wealth and reduce poverty.
“You have been trained in modern agricultural activities including off-farm activities and life skills to be able to overcome the challenges of your immediate environment.
“The facility you are receiving today provides you with the required opportunity for entrepreneurship and we expect you to justify these efforts by putting in your best to succeed as Agric entrepreneurs,” he said.
The head, REP department, and deputy director with the NDE, Mrs Beatrice Oruoyehu, advised the beneficiaries not to divert the facilities to unimportant ventures but to use the resources for the purpose they were meant.
She described the gesture as a rare opportunity and expressed confidence that the resources, when invested, would yield their desired results.
