The Kogi state office of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has debunked reports alleging non-payment of loans to intended beneficiaries.
In a rejoinder signed by the Head, Information and Public Relations, Abdulmalik Ibrahim, the Kogi NDE described the allegations as malicious.
Setting the records straight, Abdulmalik said while the Kogi State Office of NDE was allocated 2,390 slots, 1,798 persons were documented, posted, and successfully trained.
He explained further that 129 graduated trainees were selected and resettled based on available fund.
“1,270 participants trained under Digital skills done online were not entitled to resettlement and stipend as designed by the programme. Trained participants under the 3 schemes of Special Public Works are yet to be paid stipends (work in progress).
“During the disbursement ceremony, NTA Lokoja was on ground and undertook the coverage of the resettlement items being presented to the beneficiaries among which are members of the People Living with Disabilities on the 25th of March 2025 and the guidelines given by the NDE Headquarters was duly followed. The event held simultaneously across the 36 States of the federation and FCT.
“It is an open fact that all NDE state offices operate on the directive and supervision from national headquarters.
“For clarification on the alleged diversion of equipments, representative Mr. Busuyi Samson was sent on official assignment to facilitate and monitor the empowerment exercise. Hence, no room for such case of diversion of equipments or misappropriation of funds.
“The management of NDE in Kogi under the amiable leadership of the State Coordinator, Mrs. Ilebaye Christiana Ochimana is of high moral standing, reliable and trustworthy with track record of excellent performance in accordance with superior directive which has recently earned the State Office the commendation of the management at the headquarters Abuja,” he said.
The management of Kogi NDE solicited full cooperation of relevant stakeholders.
