November 12, (THEWILL) — The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has launched the second phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI 2), a nationwide programme aimed at reducing unemployment and equipping over 40,000 Nigerians with practical skills for self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
The announcement was made by NDE Director-General, H.E. Silas Ali Agara, on Tuesday at the 39th Lagos International Trade Fair. Agara, represented by the Director of Inspectorate, Mrs. Steve-Ogundipe Olayinka, described the initiative as a strategic move in Nigeria’s ongoing drive to create jobs and empower citizens.
Agara explained that RHEI 2 targets unemployed and unskilled individuals across all 8,809 electoral wards in the country, ensuring broad access to skills development and entrepreneurship opportunities. The training will cover more than 30 areas, including agriculture, ICT, digital marketing, tailoring, carpentry, and other vocational fields designed to boost productivity and innovation in Nigeria’s workforce.
“The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative reflects our commitment to link talent with opportunity and drive inclusive growth. It is not just about training people but ensuring they are empowered with the tools, resources, and knowledge to succeed independently,” Agara said.
He noted that the second phase builds on the successes of the first, which provided thousands of Nigerians with technical skills, start-up kits, and access to mentorship.
Agara emphasised that the programme aligns with the theme of this year’s trade fair — “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value” — highlighting the role of skill-driven enterprise development in national economic growth.
The DG assured that the NDE will continue to collaborate with private sector partners, development agencies, and state governments to expand the initiative’s reach and impact.
“The Renewed Hope Employment Initiative remains one of the Federal Government’s flagship programmes for promoting job creation, reducing poverty, and empowering citizens for self-sufficiency,” he added.
Agara commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prioritizing youth empowerment under the Renewed Hope Agenda and encouraged beneficiaries to fully leverage the programme, noting that skill acquisition is a powerful tool for grassroots economic transformation.
The launch underscores the NDE’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between education and industry while fostering innovation and self-reliance among young Nigerians.
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