In its effort towards eradication of unemployment in the Country, The Federal Government of Nigeria through National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has disbursed loan to the second batch beneficiaries of Agriculture Enhancement Scheme (AES) in Ogun state.
The Event took place on Thursday at Ultra Modern Pavillon Hall, Behind the Palace of Olu of Ilaro, Ilaro, Yewa-South LGA of the state.
The director general of the agency, Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo represented by the Head of Department of Rural Employment Promotion, Mr. Edem Duke share more light on the function of the agency and what 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 make be yield positively if the beneficiaries are committed and use the money judiciously.
“National Directorate of Employment is an apex agency of government that saddles the responsibility of creating job for the unemployment. 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 publicised and register. We have a gateway to NDE called Job Centre. They come in there, there is a counsellor 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 selected to empowerment,” he said.
“The money will be very useful to those who we think would be very committed in investing the money wisely. This money that will be given to them under the Agriculture Enhancement Scheme is to enable them going into Agriculture and it’s value chain. They can go into Buying and selling, Processing, Packaging and everything that has to be with Agriculture. We are not restricting it to only Crops or Lives Stock,” he added.
In his address, the coordinator of the agency in the state, Mr. Akinsanya Mobolaji Remi stated the Important of Agriculture in the society, added 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. He however advised them 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 asides from being a major source of livelihood and sustenance for the people, 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 towards Agriculture,” he said.
“Today, it is worthy of note that 1.2 million naira in form of loans would be disbursed to encourage 12 youths in the Agribusiness and its value chain,” he disclosed.
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,” he concluded.
The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewa Land, Oba Dr. Kehinde Olugbenle represented by the Bashorun of Ilaro, Chief Abraham Alani Ojedele commended the agency and urged them to do more in order to achieve there goals; because the programme will have impact on Nigerians.
He congratulated the beneficiaries and implored them to use the Money Judiciously so that they can also be employers later in the days.
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 in 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 University of Agriculture and it is what prompted me to this kind of Programme.
“Agriculture is one of the main sectors that provides employment for the youths; especially those youths that are agile and active. In this kind of Programme, the beneficiaries would also later be benefactor to others.
Also in attendance are staff of agency from National Headquarters Abuja; Mrs Hawa Bassi, Mrs. Bola Babatunde, staff of the agency in the state; Mr. Olanipekun, Mr. Olutogun AbdulAzeez, Mr. Akinoso Ikleel, Miss. Bello
Others are the Ekerin of Ilaro; Chief Adeboye Sanni, Bobaseto of Ilaro, Chief Thomas Sanya, Otun Baaroyin of Ilaro-Yewa; Chief Alh. Hammed Abu- Satar, Otun It’s Ewe of Ilaro; Chief Mrs. Adunni Onifade and others.