NDE commences building of market stores in Akwa Ibom
Uko Etim, Uyo
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has commenced building market stores in Akwa Ibom as part of its efforts to promote entrepreneurship and economic development in the state.
The project, which aims to provide a conducive environment for traders and artisans to operate, is expected to boost economic activities and create jobs for the local population.
The State Coordinator of NDE, Mrs. Uduak Essien, disclosed this Friday during the Flag-off Ground Breaking Laying Ceremony in Urua Ikpe Anang, Affiong Etor Market Square, Essien Udim LGA.
According to Essien, the project will feature four shops to accommodate various businesses, including food vendors, artisans, and retailers.
She noted that the project will also create temporary employment opportunities in construction, engaging unemployed citizens within the locality.
“Today, as part of the 93,731 Job Initiatives created by the NDE Director General, His Excellency Silas Agara, who assumed office about 6 months ago in tandem with President Bola Tinubu’s effort of curbing unemployment in the country through training and skill acquisition, we are here for flag-off and groundbreaking of a block of four shops under Labour-Based Infrastructure Development Scheme (LBIDS)”.
The Coordinator said the project is under the Special Public Works (SPW) Department and is also being implemented in six other states.
She thanked the NDE DG for choosing Akwa Ibom as one of the states that would benefit from the project.
Essien commended Governor Umo Eno for creating an enabling environment for both federal and state parastatals, which has encouraged collaboration with the Directorate’s staff.
For his part, Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio commended the federal government for citing the project in the community, adding that the lock-up stores will help traders in their businesses and boost the area’s economy.
Represented by Mr Ntiedo Usoro, the Council Chairman of Essien Udim LGA, Akpabio expressed optimism that the federal government’s efforts to generate employment in the country will reduce youth restiveness to a minimum.
He assured the local governments that they would take ownership of the project when it was completed by securing and protecting it from vandals.
Beneficiaries, including Mrs. Atim Ime and Market Chairman Mr. Effiong Akpan, expressed gratitude to the NDE and the state government for the project and promised to take care of the facilities and make good use of them.
