The Nigerian League of Women Voters (NILOWV) has appealed to the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to create more opportunity for women in her employment creation drive .
The group also commended NDE for its efforts at training women in vocational skills and empowering then with facilities to startup established different businesses.
The commendation came when the leadership of the group visited the NDE Director-General, Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo, in Abuja last week to express their appreciation.
Led by its President, Mrs. Mangu Pado Irene, the women expressed gratitude to NDE, and said that impact of the trainings and provision of startup facilities women have received from the Directorate have immensely contributed to cushioning the effect of the economic hardship faced in the country.
“Many of us needed training and empowerment, and NDE graciously provided the opportunity.” NILOWV President said. She added that the partnership between her group and NDE has been highly fruitful because it has lifted many women from severe economic hardship.
“Our relationship with the NDE has been great. The Directorate has been highly impactful to women. We are women of diverse background who have benefited immensely from the NDE, however, we are here again as Oliver Twist because of the high level of poverty especially among women due to the present economy of our country.
“We need more assistance in the area of empowerment. Please, push us further away from poverty,”.she said.
“Farmers among us need to be encouraged to do more. They need assistance in the storage of their farm produce. Youths among us also need trainings on home use products, techs and the ICT.”
In his response, the Director-General of the NDE appreciated the women for coming on the visit. “We are happy you told others that NDE’s empowerment programmes are impactful. I agree that it is only right we strengthen our partnership,”.the NILVW leader said.
In his remarks, the NDE Director-General said: “We agreed on a percentage which NDE has abided with nationwide. NDE programmes are regular, so, we shall continue to provide support for NILOWV especially now that you are formed into clusters.”
Mallam Fikpo used the opportunity to call on the unemployed in the country to embrace the job opportunities provided nationwide by the NDE and bail themselves out of poverty.
