We are aiming at 93,731 youth skill engagement, not 900,000 NDE tells Nigerians
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The Management of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) yesterday cleared the air on information spreading across the country that claimed the Directorate launched an online portal to engage 900,000 youths in skills development, saying the position did not reflect the Government’s action.
In a statement signed by Edmund Onwuliri, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at NDE Monday, the Directorate stressed that while the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative is indeed underway, the real target is 93,731 individuals, not 900,000 as rumored.
He stated that the NDE has initiated the online registration process for unskilled and unemployed Nigerians as part of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative, aimed at providing equitable access to employment opportunities.
According to him, the scheme plans to support a minimum of ten participants from each electoral ward across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), ensuring balanced representation and inclusion. This deliberate structure aims to promote fair participation across all regions and demographics.
The Director said that the Directorate’s official registration portals are www.nde.gov.ng and www.nderegistrationportal.ng.
He urged prospective applicants to use the above links to avoid potential fraud from unauthorized sites.
The initiative, covering 30 diverse skill sets, has specific provisions for women and individuals with special needs, underscoring the program’s commitment to inclusivity.
The statement also said due to the overwhelming interest from unemployed individuals nationwide, the NDE has extended the registration deadline by an additional 48 hours. This extension allows more time for eligible individuals to apply, with the final registration closing at midnight on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.
The Directorate encourages the public to disregard any misleading information and to seek verified updates directly from the official channels. The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative stands as a testament to the NDE’s mission to reduce unemployment through strategic and inclusive skills development.
