The sum of N2.4 million has been disbursed by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Gombe State for the implementation of the 2023 budget of the agri-business enhancement scheme (AES).
The disbursement exercise was held at the Federal Secretariat Complex Conference Hall, Gombe on Monday, the 22nd of January, 2024.
In her welcome address, the Ag State Coordinator of NDE, Mrs Mawa Lamu Asmau, said that it was orientation/disbursement to graduated trainees of the Agri-business Enhancement Scheme (AES) of the Rural Employment Promotion (REP) Department of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).
According to her, the loan package was provided by the management of the National Directorate of Employment (NOE) under the leadership of the Director-General, Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo and in line with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She also said that a similar programme was taking place in 14 States nationwide with the objective of providing jobs for the unemployed in the agricultural sector.
It is also to reduce rural-urban drift and poverty in the communities to provide food security in Gombe state and the nation at large.
Asmau explained that last year, the graduated trainees went through vigorous training in both theoretical and practical aspects of modern Agricultural farming techniques that will lead to self-employment; which is the main emphasis of NDE (self-reliance).
The Ag State Coordinator added that 48 trainees were selected out of the many that were trained and will from today be credited with the sum of N50000 each through their accounts.
She said, “I congratulate you for been among the selected and I wish you Success as you embark on your agribusiness ventures.
“The NDE has accomplished its task by providing you with start-up capital, It’s your turn to abide by the loan repayment schedule, by paying off the loan at the stipulated period.”
She then commended the Gombe State Government under the leadership of the Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for creating an enabling environment for smooth activities operation of the directorate.
