The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has predicted an imminent rise in kidnapping, robbery, prostitution and youth restiveness in the country.Consequently, it has empowered 638 youths in Anambra state by cash and training.
The Director-General of the agency, Mr Olakunle Obayan posited the rise in social vices among the youth on Monday at the opening ceremony of the “Start Your Own Business” training of the directorate held in Awka, the Anambra state capital.
No fewer than 150 youths were being trained under Vocational Skills Development in the state.
About 120 students in the junior secondary school were being trained in various skills as holiday programme, including bead making, interlocking block molding, manicure and pedicure, catering and satellite installation.
In addition, 50 senior secondary school graduates would receive training under SYOB, whereas 318 beneficiaries received N20,000 each under the Artisan Resettlement and Mentoring Scheme.
Obayan tasked the youth, especially graduates of tertiary institutions to try and acquire skills that would take them away from vices.
He said the concept of SYOB was borne out the desire to ensure that unemployed graduates of tertiary institution would be exposed to the benefits of self-reliance through entrepreneurship.
He added that the training would also guide them in their choices of business ideas that would instill in them self confidence in managing their business successfully.
“He said” I’m sure that you are aware that statistics of unemployment in Nigeria is high. It is also important to note that more universities are emerging which would mean more graduates being churned out of these universities to join the already bloated market.
“This particular situation can only result in frustration and give rise to various deviant behaviours such as youth restiveness, prostitution, kidnapping, robbery and so on.”
He noted that most developed nations achieved economic prosperity through small scale businesses that propelled employment for their populace.
The DG said it was for that reason that NDE encouraged the formation of small businesses, noting that such businesses had the potential to developing to big entities depending on the commitment of the business owners.
He said the purpose of the training was to ensure that the beneficiaries would recognise their individual potentials as well as writing feasible reports that would expose them to funding facilities.
The NDE boss thanked the Anambra State Government for its partnership in the execution of its mandate. He urged the beneficiaries of the training to maximise the opportunity.
