About 1,146 youths, including women, in Kaduna State have been selected for the second phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI2) in Kaduna State.

The disclosure was made by the State Coordinator of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Francis Ambianto, at the inauguration of the initiative on Thursday in Kaduna.

Mr Ambianto, who also represented the Director-General of NDE Silas Agara, said the initiative was being implemented simultaneously in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He stated, “The central message of the director-general is that the youth who are successful in undergoing this programme should take it as a great opportunity because chances are limited. With the new direction of the NDE, if you participate in a programme, you cannot come back again, because the registration is tied to the National Identification Number. Once you have benefitted, you are expected to excel and not reapply.’’

Mr Ambianto noted that if the beneficiaries remained committed, they would not only become self-employed but also employers of labour, thereby contributing to national economic growth.

He urged the trainers to ensure they impart quality knowledge to participants, calling on the trainees to respect their trainers, be disciplined, and take the training seriously.

Also speaking, the Counsellor to the Kaduna State Governor on Political Matters, Ado Dogo, commended the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention to take young people off the streets.

“This is a welcome initiative that will reduce idleness among youths and help them become self-independent,” he said.

Mr Dogo assured that the state government would continue to collaborate with NDE to strengthen youth empowerment programmes.

He added that meaningful engagement of young people would not only improve livelihoods but also reduce insecurity in the state.

Meanwhile, some of the beneficiaries commended NDE and the federal government, saying that it would help them to become self-reliant.

Aisha Sambo said she felt honoured and happy to be selected, saying she applied for the Special Public Work (SPW) scheme.

According to her, the programme will not only help her grow personally but also support her financially.

An unemployed youth, Samson Elisha, who applied for fish farming and feed production, expressed appreciation, saying that he would ensure he concentrated on the training.

The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative is designed to empower young Nigerians with skills and opportunities for job creation as part of the federal government’s broader efforts to tackle unemployment.

(NAN)