Twenty unemployed youths in Kwara State have undergone free training in horticulture, hard and soft landscaping, and other skills provided by the Kwara State branch of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).
The Director-General of NDE, Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo, instructed the Special Public Works department (SPW) to equip the participants with essential skills aimed at alleviating poverty and reducing unemployment.
During the launch of the program, State Coordinator Mr. Kudabo Gabriel Olufemi highlighted that the training, spanning three months, aimed to empower participants, emphasizing that “Hard work is now the most promising and beneficial.”
Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo urged participants to value the opportunity, noting the scarcity of white-collar jobs and the annual influx of graduates into the labor market. He listed skills such as horticulture, hard and soft landscaping, tiling, interlocking, and plaster Paris (POP) as part of the training.
He encouraged beneficiaries to uphold good conduct and represent NDE positively in their assignments, describing the federal government initiative as a life-changing opportunity. Selected participants will receive further empowerment post-program.
Mr. Omotosho Adebayo, Head of the SPW department, urged participants to respect their trainers, while Mr. Fagbemi David, Head of the Inspectorate Department, advised punctuality and active participation.
Mr. Abdulsalam Kehinde, a beneficiary, shared a testimonial, expressing gratitude to NDE for transforming his life through the EBTS program. He reported significant earnings from his flower and ugu (vegetables) business.
Despite health challenges, Mr. Omotosho Badmus, another beneficiary, viewed the program as an opportunity to showcase his horticultural talent.
