FG Intervention Programmes ‘ll Curb Unemployment – NDE

By Solomon Odeniyi

The Director General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Dr. Nasir Mohammed Ladan has called on all unemployed persons in Nigeria, especially youths, women and people with special needs to key into various intervention programmes of the federal government.

According to him, the programmes being anchored by the NDE were aimed at job creation, poverty reduction and sustainable livelihood.

He stated this in Oshogbo, while speaking through, Mrs. Rosalyn Olaomi, the programme focal person, at a day stakeholders forum organised for private sector operators, who are key factors in the implementation of Skill-for-Job component of Youth Employment and Social Support Operation ( YESSO).

Dr. Ladan, seized the opportunity of the interactive forum to inform them, that YESSO was introduced by the World Bank to support the states with verifiable social safety net systems to reduce vulnerability of youth and women of poor households.

The NDE DG, expressed delight at the government of the state of Osun for being a key partner in the implementation of the World Bank assisted YESSO operation.

According to Dr. Ladan “ it is on record that the state government, through the creation of O’YES has made an indelible mark in the quest to change the living condition of the citizenry from poverty to prosperity, having successfully completed the Community Based Targeting (CBT) exercises, through the enrollment of most of the communities in the single Register “.

He said, the need for such intervention cannot be over emphasized, because of deteriorating welfare status of Nigerians, especially the poor and the vulnerable.

He commended the state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for his government commitments to reduce the twin problem of poverty and unemployment.

The NDE DG, outlined the expected responsibility of the private sector operators, which include providing mentorship and internship for the trainee (interns).

He said the interactive forum would further provide opportunity to set framework for the development of a memorandum between the participating government and private sector operators.

The skill for job project, according to him, is now being implemented in eight pilot states in Nigeria, while the World Bank is planning to increase the coverage to other states of the federation.