Determined to curb the rising unemployment rate in the country through environmental rejuvenation, the National Directorate of Employment has charged unemployed persons in the country to embrace horticulture business describing it as an alternative to non-existing white collar jobs.

Speaking at the official commencement of the Environmental Beautification Training Scheme (EBTS) training in Ibadan, the NDE Oyo state Coordinator, Mrs Olayemi Olayinka, who represented the Director General, Mallam Abubakar Nuhu Fikpo, noted that, the training was in line with the agency’s mandate of reducing unemployment and getting people out of poverty.

He added that the scheme is designed for the training of unemployed graduates of tertiary institutions and non-graduates in hard and soft landscaping, which will facilitate acquisition of skills in erosion control, environmental beautification, protection and sanitation so as to create decent jobs for them.

The D.G. affirms that the training aside promoting environmental rebirth by adding aesthetic value to our surrounding, it will as well enhance healthy living and in return generate incomes.

He charged the beneficiaries to seize the opportunity to avail themselves with regular and sustainable work to turn around their economic fortune, reduce poverty and create more wealth in the country.

Also Speaking, the HOD Special Publics Works Department Mr Adu Oyewole Adedotun noted that So far, both indigenes and non-indigenes from across the 33 local governments in the State had benefitted immensely from the scheme since it commenced.

He said 30 participants were selected across Oyo State for this training session and it will last for the duration of three (3) months.

He also added that at the end of the training, successful participants will benefit from starter packs made up of requisite tools and equipment.
He therefore appealed to them to make good use of the training to better their lots and that of the country.