Some of the selected participants in a group photograph with the NDE officials
By Tony Adibe
About two thousand six hundred (2600) graduates from Enugu State are to undergo training to acquire skills under the Second Phase of Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI 2) of President Bola Tinubu.
The selected youths are to embark on intensive one week, two weeks or three months respectively from vocational, entrepreneurial, Agricultural, ICT and public works out of the 30 skills scheduled for the programme.
Addressing the gathering during the flag- off of the programme on Thursday at the headquarters of Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State, the Enugu State Coordinator, who represented the Director General of NDE, His Excellency, Silas Agara, Mr. Oluka Godwin Odoh, encouraged the trainees to take their training serious and avail themselves of the opportunities that would accrue at the end of their training.
Agara noted that the first phase of the Initiative was a successful one which the beneficiaries were settled with starter packs to help them establish themselves in their chosen fields.
“It our sincere expectation that the participants would be equipped positively with skills to enhance their employability, foster entrepreneurship mindsets and improve their livelihoods and contribute to their communities and the economic growth of the nation,” he encouraged.
He disclosed that nationwide, 41,307 persons would participate in the 2nd Phase above the 1st Phase that kicked off in December last year with 32,692 participants.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Enugu South local government area, Caleb Ani, represented by the Secretary to the local government, Barr. Kenneth Nya appreciated NDE for the job opportunities they offer to the youths, pointing out that it aligned with their own programme of youth empowerment, of which they have empowered over 200 youths of the Council.
Ani, therefore, called on the lucky participants to take their training seriously to reap the benefits of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, RHEI 2. The Head of Small-Scale Enterprise Department, SSE, of NDE, Enugu State, Mrs Anulika Asomugha, reminded the participants that their training takes effect from Monday and urged them to make sure that they come with their printout to show their eligibility for the programme.
Asomugha also urged them to seize the opportunity to maximise their potential. “Don’t play with the opportunity because you are fortunate to have been selected for the training, which some others did not have the chance,” she urged.
