Abia State: NDE flags off nationwide AET, set to disburse funds to agric loan beneficiaries

By Joyce Nwabuisi

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has respectively commenced orientation course for Agricultural Loan beneficiaries and flag-off of nationwide Agricultural Extension Training (AET) in Abia State.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at Evermore Event Centre, Olokoro Road in Umuahia South L.G.A, of Abia State, the Director General of NDE, Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo represented by the State Coordinator of NDE, Abia State, Mr Chima Uzoma Ibeh said the orientation programme was designed for the beneficiaries of its various agricultural loan packages.

Mallam Fikpo who urged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously, said the one hundred thousand (N100,000) loan package per beneficiary out of the one hundred loan beneficiaries in Abia State should be put to good use in stepping up the fight against unemployment.

Also addressing the beneficiaries, the head, REP, NDE Abia State, Mrs Stella Chukwuekezie implored the Agricultural Extension Training beneficiaries to be diligent in attending the trainings and informed further that attendance records will be taken during the 5-day intensive training period.

She also reminded the loan benefiaries that the loan packages which are to be repaid under single digit interest rates should be utilised for the purpose it was meant for.

Responding respectively on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Wisdom Nwogwugwu an agricultural loan beneficiary and Mr. Wisdom Anunodu an agricultural extension training beneficiary appreciated the NDE and by extension the federal government of Nigeria for its dogged fight against unemployment through the various schemes of the NDE.

The Director, Rural Employment Promotion (REP) department of NDE, Abuja National headquarters was represented at the event by Mr. Chimaobi Ekeleme.