By NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has constructed and inaugurated four lock-up shops in Rinze, Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
NDE Director-General, Mr Silas Ali Agara, who inaugurated the shops, said the gesture was to facilitate market access, enhance socio-economic activities, and create job opportunities for the people of the state.
Agara disclosed that the initiative, implemented under the Labour-Based Infrastructural Development Scheme (LBIDS), aligned with the agency’s mandate of job creation and self-reliance.
“Today marks another milestone in our efforts at NDE to create opportunities for Nigerians to improve their livelihoods through decent jobs that lead to self-sufficiency,” Agara said.
He noted that the LBIDS programme, under the Special Public Works (SPW) initiative, “aims to provide essential infrastructure to support rural businesses and drive economic growth.
“The objective is to establish public infrastructure that accelerates rural businesses and supports sustainable economic activities,” he explained.
He further disclosed that similar projects were being inaugurated in five other states across all geo-political zones of Nigeria.
“This aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of economic development through skills training, entrepreneurship, and critical infrastructure.”
Agara expressed appreciation to Gov. Abdullahi Sule, the Rinze community, and the people of Nasarawa state for their support in implementing the project.
He urged the benefiting community to protect and maximise the facility for economic growth.
“We are handing over this facility to the local authorities with no expectation of financial returns to the NDE.
“However, we encourage responsible use and maintenance to ensure its long-term benefits,” he added.
Mr Joshua Sunday Fagbemi, the state NDE Coordinator, stated that the project was part of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to him, the initiative demonstrates the technical feasibility and social responsibility of labour-based approaches in infrastructure development.
He acknowledged the community’s contributions, particularly the donation of land for the project, highlighting the importance of collaboration in sustainable development.
In their remarks, Chun Ngah, Alhaji Yusuf Adamu-Amwe, represented by Mr Suleiman Amwe, as well as Mr Sani Haruna, Chairman of the Traders and Marketers Association, Rinze, expressed gratitude to NDE for the project.
They affirmed that the new shops would boost commercial activities, improve livelihoods, and contribute to the broader economic development of the state and the nation.
NAN
