CBTS: NDE disburses starter packs to Nasarawa trainees

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has disbursed loan starter packs worth N3.1 million to 26 trainees of Community Based Training Scheme (CBTS) in Nasarawa State.

Mr Chris Bamsida, the Nasarawa state NDE Coordinator, disclosed this during the loan disbursement ceremony on Friday in Lafia.

Bamsida explained that the scheme sought to provide the youths with skills to learn, work and live as productive citizens in a globalised society.

He said that 65 artisans were trained in various technical and vocational skills, adding that 26 were selected and now poised to become self-employed thereby creating wealth, reducing poverty and contributing to the task of nation building.

“We are gathered here today to disburse starter packs to the 26 selected beneficiaries who underwent three months intensive training in four skills sets; namely fashion and design, leather works, brick making and furniture making.

“Each participant will benefit from items worth N120,000 to enable them establish their workshops and business outlets.

“The sum of N3,120,000.00k only was used for the direct purchase of sundry items in four skills sets for the 26 beneficiaries.

“The beneficiaries and their trainers were duly carried along in the purchase of the items,” he said.

He advised the beneficiaries to use the items for the purpose they were meant for.

“I want to emphasise that the CBTS resettlement is a loan and not a grant. You will pay back accordingly.

“The loan will attract a simple interest of nine per cent with a moratorium period of six months before repayment commences and it will last for three years,” said the coordinator.

Bamsida said that the CBTS focused on addressing skills gaps within communities.

He thank Gov. Abdullahi Sule for creating enabling environment for the directorate to thrive in its continous efforts at employment generation, poverty alleviation and jobs creation.

“I appreciate and thank the Director-General, NDE, Malam Abubakar Fikpo, for his innovative approach and for considering Nasarawa state in programme implementation,” he added

Mrs Lisa Onyedinefu, the Vocational Skill Development Officer 11 (VSDO 11), NDE Headquarters, Abuja, urged the beneficiaries to use the items in their economic interest and for social development.

“I pray that you will use the items for your good and job creation,” she said.

Onyedinefu also appreciated the NDE boss for being up and doing in tackling poverty and unemployment in the society.

On his part, Dr Idris Umar, the General Manager, Nasarawa State Vocational and Relevant Technology Board (VRTB), assured of effective partnership and collaboration with the NDE in order to tackle poverty and unemployment in the state.

Umar commended the management of NDE for the prudent purchase of the items.

He urged beneficiaries to utilise the items to better their living standard, that of their family members and for the overall development of the country.

Responding on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mr Monday Abuga, appreciated NDE for the gesture and promised to ensure judicious use of the items.

Our correspondent reports that the items disbursed included 17 fashion and design items, five leather craft items, three bricks making items and one furniture work items.