NDE SHARES N2,200,000 LOAN AMONG 22 PERSONS INVOLVED IN AGRIC BIZ IN IMO

REPORTER: UGONNA AGU

As part of efforts to address the continuous rising rate of unemployment in the country, the Federal Government has disbursed the sum of N100,000 each to 276 beneficiaries of the second batch of the Agricultural Enhancement scheme in Imo, 11 other states and the FCT.

Speaking on the occasion, in Owerri, the Director General of National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo, represented by the Imo State NDE Coordinator, Mrs. Chisara Egwim, announced that the beneficiaries had been trained in agricultural programmmes, including production, storage, processing, packaging and marketing as well as other innovative and technology driven skills in the agricultural sector.

The NDE, Director General, while disbursing the loans, enjoined the beneficiaries to shun the challenges of their immediate environment and justify the effort of the Federal Government, by putting their best to succeed and repay the loan in due time.

“You have been empowered to enable you take up and manage agricultural enterprise in your chosen area of interest.

“To become self reliant and generate employment opportunities for others, to be able to overcome the challenges of your immediate environment,” the DG stated.

Also, the Head of department, Rural Employment Promotion (REP) of the NDE, Mr. Edem Duke, represented by Mr. Chimaobi Elelme, said the REP Programme, aimed to create employment, enhance businesses and generate wealth.

Mr. Duke congratulated the beneficiaries and advised them to use the loan for the purpose of which it was obtained and payback as and when due, to enable other people benefit.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Millicent James, who spoke on behalf of others thanked the Federal Government and NDE for the opportunity, and promised to utilize the loan and pay back.

“I thank God for this opportunity we have gotten from the Federal Government. I am very happy. I promise, we will pay back,” she pledged.

22 people in Imo State benefited from the programme.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU