By: Edem Archibong, Calabar
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Cross River State has disbursed the sum of N2.2 million to unemployed Youths for the promotion of Agricultural value chain and initiative.
This assertion was made during the orientation ceremony in Calabar recently by the Director General of the National Directorate of Employment, Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo to mark the graduation event to the beneficiaries and charge them to make proper utilization of the opportunity which the Agency have vigorously pursued the mandate of employment generation through its program department towards sensitizing, counseling and reoriented our youths to embrace self employment as a means of livelihood to contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s economy.
He also explained that the economy of the country will remain stagnated if agriculture production and the value chains are not encourage to grow and multiple.
The Director General who was represented at the event by the Director in charge of South South Zonal office, Apakasa David that each of the 22 unemployed youths in Cross River State under the program have received the the sum of One Hundred Thousand Naira to enhance Agricultural production in 12 States including the FCT, Abuja.
Speaking earlier is the state Coordinator of the program, Mr. Udam Gabriel urge the beneciariaries to utilize the money given for the purpose it was meant to enhance more food security and promote quality of life for Nigerian youths.
In his brief remarks, the Head of the Rural Employment promotions department, Headquarters, Abuja, Mr. Edem Duke revealed that the essence of the sensitization of the beneficiaries on the need for effective utilization of the loan which will be through our individual banks to them.
Mr. Edem Duke who was represented by Mrs. Blessing Mbiabor Owan congratulated the beneciariaries and advise that the loans should be used for the purpose for which it is obtain to enable them pay back and also allow others to benefit from them as unemployed.
Responding on behalf of the beneciariaries of the loan is Mr. Lawrence Antigha Essien expressed gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria for finding them worthy and promise the directorate that they will make good use of the money for the purpose it is meant for and pay back in due time.