How NDE’s Vocational Skill Training and Resettlement Saved Us from the Streets and Bettered Our Lives — Beneficiaries
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) continues to make significant strides in empowering unemployed Nigerians, particularly the youth, by equipping them with vocational skills and entrepreneurship training. This initiative aims for beneficiaries to engage in profitable economic activities, thus paving their way to a sustainable livelihood.
During a recent resettlement programme following a vocational skills training in selected states, the impact was visibly positive, as it has changed lives for the better, sparing many from the lure of criminal activities. The graduation and resettlement day marked a milestone where the Federal Government, through the NDE, furnished beneficiaries with startup facilities to commence businesses in the trades they had mastered.
At the heart of Kaduna Training Centre, the excitement was palpable. About 50 beneficiaries, dressed in anticipation, were about to graduate. They had been trained in a wide array of vocational skills including hairdressing, fashion design, interior decoration, carpentry, welding, electrical installations, and many more. The graduates ranged from young men and women aged 22 to 35, encompassing a diverse group of individuals from school leavers to housewives.
Among the graduates, a group of young men stood out for their resilience and determination. Having been trained in welding, carpentry/furniture, and aluminum vocational skills, these young individuals found a new lease on life, steering clear from street life and potential criminal activities. They expressed their gratitude for the training which not only provided them with a means to earn a living but also served as a beacon of hope and purpose.
Ibrahim Ahmed, 30, skilled in carpentry, shared his journey from despair to hope, emphasizing how the training provided him with much-needed direction and purpose. Similarly, Jonathan Ayah and Usman Yusuf, skilled in welding, reflected on the transformation in their lives post-training, highlighting their ability to now support their families and engage in meaningful work. Their stories are a testament to the life-changing impact of the NDE’s initiatives.
Abdullahi Musa, trained in fashion and design, and Mrs. Helen Ovierie, who mastered catering, echoed the sentiments of their peers, sharing how the training not only improved their living conditions but also instilled in them a newfound confidence and ambition. Their stories underline the crucial role of the NDE in not just providing vocational training but also ensuring these young individuals have the tools and knowledge to thrive in their respective fields.
Shaaibu Abdullahi Adamu and Mrs. Mesimna Banam, representing the NDE, emphasized the organization’s commitment to empowering unemployed Nigerians. They acknowledged the successes of their programs while stressing the need for increased collaboration with state governments, the private sector, and philanthropists. The goal is to expand these opportunities, making them accessible to more individuals in need of direction and purpose.
Hajia Halima, the NDE Kaduna State Coordinator, highlighted the importance of the resettlement phase, noting that beneficiaries often go on to create employment opportunities, however small, thereby contributing positively to their communities. This ripple effect underscores the necessity for broader collaboration to tackle unemployment and social unrest, paving the way for a more peaceful and productive society.
In conclusion, the NDE’s vocational skill training and resettlement programs serve as powerful interventions that not only save lives but also create avenues for productive and fulfilling livelihoods. These initiatives are a beacon of hope for many young Nigerians, proving that with the right support and opportunities, a brighter future is indeed possible.
