The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has commenced the training of female chauffeurs in collaboration with First Lady Patience Jonathan in Abuja.

The Director General of the NDE, Malam Mohammed Abubakar, disclosed when he led the management of the directorate on a visit to the training field where the ladies were being tested after training for a month now.

Abuja Leasing Company (ALC) is the supporting partner for the project which will see 200 female beneficiaries given "pink" cabs with which to earn a living and eradicate poverty.

Answering questions on the progress made so far, Abubakar said he was satisfied with the pace of progress, while stressing that the NDE will continue to empower both female and male unemployed.

"We are making progress. As you can see, each and every one of them can drive. When they came here, I think the only thing they knew was to be a passenger."

On his part, Managing Director of ALC, Mr. Tuji Tolani said his company has concluded arrangements to issue out the vehicles as soon as the prospective beneficiaries finish their training and receive the required certification.