The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has disbursed loans to the tune of N4.56 million to 228 artisans in Imo.
The Director-General of the NDE, Malam Abubakar Nuhu-Fikpo, who disbursed the funds in Owerri on Thursday said that the initiative was part of Federal Government’s efforts to stem the tide of unemployment in the country.
Nuhu-Fikpo, represented by the Imo State Coordinator of the NDE, Mrs Ngozi Ihenacho, added that the loans were part of the directorate’s Micro Enterprises Enhancement Scheme, an initiative of its Department of Small-Scale Enterprises (SSE).
He said that beneficiaries of the scheme were graduate artisans from NDE training programmes as well as other artisans that had established businesses in the state.
The director-general added that each of the beneficiaries would receive N20,000 to be disbursed through their banks to be repaid in three months.
“As part of Federal Government’s efforts at job creation and poverty reduction, a total sum of N20,000 will be given to each artisan, payable through bank accounts.
“I advise you to use the money judiciously as you will be required to repay the loan in three months,” he said.
Speaking, the Director of SSE of the NDE, Mr Sunday Apakasa, said that the scheme was intended to empower artisans to expand their businesses for increased output.
Apakasa, represented by the Head of Department of the SSE in Imo, Ms Nonye Ohanu, added that the beneficiaries were expected to have existing businesses in identifiable locations prior to the disbursement.
“The loan will be used to expand your various businesses with a view to increasing the number of persons employable by the business.
“This means that you should already have a business before qualifying to receive the loan,” he said.
One of the artisans, Mr Chukwumaeze Chukwuka, a painter, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the NDE for the initiative and pledged to put the money to good use. (NAN)
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