The National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Ebonyi State, South-East Nigeria, has officially flagged off the Second Phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI).
The programme championed by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is aimed at expanding employment opportunities for Nigerians—particularly youths, women, and other vulnerable groups.
The Director-General of the NDE, Silas Ali Agara, performed the flag-off ceremony at the NDE State Secretariat, located within the Federal Secretariat complex opposite Unity Square in Abakaliki, the state capital.
Representing the Director-General at the event, the Ebonyi State Coordinator of the NDE, Mrs. Stella Chukwuekezie, explained that the programme, first launched nationwide on December 6, 2024, has successfully trained 32,692 unskilled and unemployed Nigerians in demand-driven skills across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Agara stated that “the strategic objectives of the initiative include enhancing employability, supporting small-scale businesses, boosting agricultural output, improving rural infrastructure, and creating temporary job placements.”
He said that 5,532 beneficiaries had already been resettled with starter packs and soft loans, while efforts to connect others to credit-granting institutions are ongoing.
“It is my pleasure to welcome you to the activities marking the commencement of the Second Phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI 2),” Agara said.
He further noted that in this second phase, the NDE will train 41,307 individuals in over 30 skill sets, ranging from vocational and entrepreneurial training to agriculture, ICT, and public works.
Agara announced that the Directorate had digitised its operations through a robust online registration portal with scalable backend systems and geofencing capabilities, ensuring transparency and inclusivity.
Trainees were selected from all 8,809 electoral wards across the country, with a minimum of four persons per ward.
Agara said that 14,457 beneficiaries are expected to be resettled with starter packs to enable them to establish themselves in their chosen trades.
“At the end of the second phase of the RHEI 2, it is our sincere expectation that the participants will be equipped positively with skills to enhance their employability.”
Agara reiterated the significance of the programme for Ebonyi State saying, “Today, we gather to mark the beginning of a transformative journey for 1,084 unemployed youths in Ebonyi State.”
He emphasised that the three-month training will empower participants with practical skills in four core areas—vocational, entrepreneurial, agricultural, and labour-based programmes.
Upon completion, qualified participants will be resettled with starter packs and loan packages to foster self-reliance and job creation.
Agara affirmed that the selection process ensured representation from all thirteen local government areas of the state, with special consideration given to persons with disabilities and women, in line with Federal Government policy.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Government to tackle unemployment and empower the youth.
Dignitaries present at the event were the General Manager of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Mrs Chinyere Kalu; Mr Theophilus Nwokpor of the National Orientation Agency, and Mr Aluma Nwabueze of Animal Science
Others are Mr John Nwebonyi, Chairman of the Artisans Association; and Mrs Nnenna Ibiam of the Technology Incubation Centre.
They commended President Tinubu for what they described as a bold and visionary move.
Two beneficiaries, Nweze Chinonso and Odinkpa Millicent, speaking on behalf of others, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the NDE for the life-changing opportunity provided through the skills empowerment programme.