Gombe Farrmers Receive N2.2 Million Loan From NDE

About 22 beneficiaries including four persons with disabilities have received N100,000 each from the National Directorate of Employment to boost the agricultural value chain in Gombe State.

The beneficiaries were trained in production, storage, processing, post-harvest handling and management, preservation, packaging and marketing.

Speaking during the presentation of the second batch of 50 per cent release of the 2022 budget for the agricultural enhancement scheme to 22 graduated trainees of the Rural Employment Promotion department, the Director-General, Abubakar Fikpo, said the directorate had over the years, vigorously pursued its mandate through series of employment generation initiatives.

Jediel Stephen, the State Coordinator, who represented Fikpo, reminded the beneficiaries to see the gesture as a rare opportunity which should not be allowed to fail.

He stated that it is simply a loan facility which should be returned duly.

“Remember that with the loan facility, you have been doubly empowered.

"First, you have been trained in modern agriculture and life skills to be able to overcome the challenges of your immediate environment.

“Secondly, loan empowerment provides you with the required entrepreneurship.

"You should therefore justify these efforts by putting in your best to succeed and repay the loan in due time so that other unemployed youth will benefit subsequently.

"The NDE attaches a very high premium on the multiplier effect of the loan schemes for increased job creation", he said.