The Kaduna State Government has inaugurated the second phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI2), selecting 1,146 youths, including women, for skills acquisition and training. The launch ceremony was held in Kaduna on Thursday.
The State Coordinator of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr. Francis Ambianto, who represented the Director-General, Mr. Silas Agara, said RHEI2 is being implemented simultaneously across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He urged beneficiaries to treat the programme as a rare opportunity, stressing that participation is tied to the National Identification Number (NIN), and successful candidates cannot reapply.
“Once you have benefitted, you are expected to excel and not reapply. With commitment, you can become not just self-employed but also employers of labour, contributing to economic growth,” Ambianto said.
He also appealed to trainers to provide quality instruction and advised trainees to remain disciplined and respectful.
Counsellor to the Kaduna State Governor on Political Matters, Mr. Ado Dogo, described the initiative as timely, saying it would reduce idleness among youths, improve livelihoods and help curb insecurity.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Ms. Aisha Sambo, who applied for the Special Public Works scheme, said the programme would aid her personal and financial growth. Similarly, Mr. Samson Elisha, enrolled in fish farming and feed production training, pledged to take full advantage of the opportunity.
The RHEI forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to equip Nigerian youths with skills for job creation and economic participation, addressing the country’s unemployment challenge.
