By Omoniyi David
The Federal Government has commenced the second phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI), with 41,307 Nigerians selected for training across the country.
The programme, implemented by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), draws at least four beneficiaries from each of Nigeria’s 8,809 electoral wards.
It follows the first phase, which trained 32,692 persons and resettled 5,532 with loans and starter packs.
Flagging off the exercise in Abuja, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said the scheme is designed to empower youths, women, and vulnerable groups with skills for both local and global markets.
“The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative has been designed to equip our youth, women, and vulnerable groups with practical tools to navigate a fast-changing global economy,” Akume stated.
NDE Director-General, Dr. Silas Agara, disclosed that the training spans over 30 skill areas, including vocational, entrepreneurial, agricultural, ICT, and public works, with a digitised registration system to ensure transparency.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, said the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda of inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and job creation.
His counterpart, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, assured that the scheme would reach the remotest communities, generating both direct and indirect jobs.
