The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has shortlisted 40,000 youths for ICT training nationwide.

This formed part of the employment initiative of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu-led administration which is aimed at empowering the youths.

The Director General of the NDE, Dr. Silas Agara made this known at the flag off of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative in Ibadan.

He said the shortlisted applicants are among the 93, 731unemployed school leavers that are billed to be trained in various locations.

?This is a deliberate step by NDE in order to equip our youths with emerging skills that would enable them become globally competitive,? he said.

Speaking in the same vein, the State Coordinator of NDE, Mrs Olayinka Steve-Ogundipe stated that the programme is aimed at developing the strength of the youths and providing opportunities and resources to take them to another level of confidence and self esteem.

?NDE is working round the clock to reduce rate of unemployment in the Country with the engagement of 93,731 youths which is the six of the eight priority areas of Renewed Hope Agenda.

?It is expected that start up capital equipment and working tools will be provided for deserving participants at the end of the training while others will be linked to credit granting institutions to access loans to commence medium or large scale businesses.

?This job creation initiative is designed to empower the unemployed and unskilled school leavers through training in trendy vocational and technical skills for them to be self reliance,? he said. (Sunday Tribune)