The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has commenced the building of market stores in Akwa Ibom, as part of its efforts to promote entrepreneurship and foster economic development in the state.
The project, aimed at providing 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 made this known on 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 a block of four shops designed to accommodate various types of businesses, including food vendors, artisans, and retailers
She noted that 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 intandem with President Bola Tinubu’s effort of curbing unemployment in the country through training and skill acquisition, we are here for flag-off and ground breaking 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 DG of NDE for choosing Akwa Ibom as one of the States to benefit from the project.
Essien commended Governor Umo Eno for creating enabling environment for both federal and state parastatals which has encouraged staff of the Directorate.
On his part, the 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 and boost the economy of the area.
Represented by Mr Ntiedo Usoro, the Council Chairman of Essien Udim LGA, Akpabio expressed optimism that with the effort of the federal government in generating employment in the country, youth restiveness will be reduced to a barest minimum.
He assured the local governments will take ownership of the project when 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, promising to take care of the facilities and make good use of them.
