By Emmanuel Elebeke

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has commended the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) for prudent management of resources in the implementation of its employment creation programmes under a corrupt free environment.

This commendation was contained in a recent evaluation report on activities of the Directorate by the Special Services Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

The report which covered the operations of the NDE for the Second Quater (April-June) of year 2015 was conveyed to the Directorate via a letter made available to Vanguard by deputy director information and public relations, Edmund Onwuliri.

The report indicated that despite the challenge of poor funding, the NDE was able to put together several employment creation activities across the states of the federation.

In Edo State for instance, the report stated that the NDE trained 194 Youths as computer technicians, fashion designers, and caterers, 84 women participated in Women Empowerment Programme (WEP) and another 50 youths were engaged under the National Open Apprenticeship Scheme (NOAS).

The findings of the report at the Federal Capital Territory shows that 100 unemployed persons were trained in auto-mech, computer operations and metal fabrication, while another 222 youths are undergoing training under the Basic National Open Apprenticeship (B-NOAS).

Also, 50 youths in the FCT equally participated in the Community Based Training Scheme (CBTS).

In Benue state, 15 graduates participated in a six month Graduate Attachment Programme (GAP).
They were paid a monthly stipend of ten thousand naira each.

The evaluation report also highlighted some challenges being faced by the NDE to include, inadequate vehicles for monitoring of projects, prompt payment for trainees and trainers among others.

The report expressed belief that with the National spread of the Directorate, coupled with proper funding the NDE will do better to meet the needs of the unemployed in Nigeria.