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ILARO-YEWA – The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Olugbenle has commended the Federal government of Nigeria in its effort towards eradication of unemployment in the country.
The Federal Government of Nigeria through National Directorate of Employment (NDE) In its effort towards eradication of unemployment in the country, disbursed the second batch of the loans to twelve beneficiaries of the programme.
Oba Olugbenle who was ably represented by the Basorun of Ilaro-Yewa, Chief Abraham Alani Adeyinka on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at the presentation of loans to the second batch of beneficiaries of Agriculture Enhancement Scheme (AES) in Ogun state also commended the agency in charge
While congratulating the beneficiaries and implored them to use the money judiciously so that they can also be employers in the nearest future the monarch urged the NDE to do more in order to achieve their goals; “because the programme will have impact on Nigerians.”
The Director General of the agency, Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo, represented by the Head of Department of Rural Employment Promotion, Mr. Edem Duke shed more lights on the functions of the agency, and some other programmes the agency has been carrying out, noted that the agency don’t just select beneficiaries, but with due process after showing of interest by beneficiaries.
He added that, the loan given to the beneficiaries can yield, positively if the beneficiaries are committed and use the money judiciously.
“National Directorate of Employment is an apex agency of government that is saddled with the responsibility of creating jobs for the unemployed. Over the years, we have been able to create jobs through our programmes of Vocational Skills Development, Small Scale Enterprises, Special Public Work and Rural Employment Promotion.
“For the selection of beneficiaries, the person has to be unemployed and has to show interest in our programme whenever the programme is publicized, and register. We have a gateway to NDE called – JobCentre. They come in there, there is a counselor who will counsel them on various programmes and skills in NDE, and they pick what they want. At the end of the training, they will now be selected for empowerment.
“The money will be very useful to those who are very committed to investing it wisely. This money that will be given to them under the Agriculture Enhancement Scheme is to enable them to go into Agriculture and its value chain. they can go into buying and selling, processing, packaging and everything that has to do with Agriculture. We are not restricting it to only Crops or Livestock,” he posited.
In his address, the coordinator of the agency in the state, Mr. Akinsanya Mobolaji Remi reiterated the importance of Agriculture in the society, adding that the population of youths who are eager to leave rural for urban areas for white collar jobs needs urgent attention.
He disclosed the amount of money that was released and the total number of beneficiaries and the interest rate of N9,000 over N100,000 to be paid within three years with a six months meritorious gap before payment.
Akinsanya however advised beneficiaries of the loan to use the money towards the goals of the government and wish them success in their assiduous efforts.
“The role and importance of Agriculture in our society cannot be over emphasized. Agriculture aside from being a major source of livelihood and sustenance for the people, it also provides for a large percentage of employment in the country.
“The amount of Rural-Urban migration of youths these days is alarming; everyone wants to go to big cities in search of white collar jobs that are not readily available, leaving farming and other agricultural activities to the aged and elderly ones who lack the strength and vitality to do much.
“Agricultural enhancement scheme is designed to help encourage and redirect the passion and interest of youths back to Agriculture,” he said.
He stated further, “Today, it is worthy of note that N1.2 million in the form of loans would be disbursed to encourage 12 youths in the Agribusiness and its value chain..
“We therefore, encourage you to put the money to judicious use and wish you the very best in your endeavors, praying that your efforts would be crowned with fruitfulness.”
In his appreciation speech on behalf of other beneficiaries, Idowu Adam thanked the agency for the programme, adding that, the programme will play a significant role amongst Nigerian youths.
“I want to thank NDE for this kind of programme. What motivated me to have interest in Agriculture is that, I’m a graduate of the University of Agriculture and it is what prompted me to this kind of programme.
“Agriculture is one of the main sectors that provide employment to the youths; especially those youths that are agile and active. With this type of programme, the beneficiaries would in the nearest future become benefactors to others.”
Also in attendance at the event that took place at the ultra-modern Asade Agunloye Hall, Empire Field, Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State are staff of the agency from National Headquarters Abuja; Mrs. Hawa Bassi, Mrs. Bola Babatunde, and also staff of the agency in Ogun State; Mr. Olanipekun, Mr. Olutogun AbdulAzeez, Mr. Akinoso Ikleel and Miss. Bello
Others are the Ekerin of Ilaro-Yewa; Chief Adeboye Sanu; Bobaseto of Ilaro-Yewa, Chief Thomas Sanya Lala; Otun Baaroyin of Ilaro-Yewa, Chief (Elhadj) AbuSatar Idowu Hamed; Otun Iya Ewe of Ilaro-Yewa, Chief (Mrs.) Adunni Onifade among others.
