The N-Power, one of the federal government’s social intervention programmes, was launched in 2016 by the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari. The programme aims at reducing unemployment and alleviating poverty among Nigerian youths. It provides young graduates with the opportunity to acquire skills and experience through various job placements and vocational trainings.
Recall that, there was sigh of relief and renewed hope by thousands of individuals who have been eagerly awaiting their delayed payments when the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, announced that the Nigerian government will be disbursing the long-awaited nine months owed stipends to C2 beneficiaries of the programme.
I was surprised to read the news on different platforms on Saturday, October 7, that the federal government has suspended the programme indefinitely, citing the abuse of funds in the programme.
The N-Power programme has been playing a significance role in alleviating poverty and reducing unemployment rate in the country, by helping the beneficiaries meet their day-to-day needs, such as food, rent, utilities, and other essential expenses.
The provision of humanitarian programmes like N-Power brings much-needed financial support to individuals who have faced significant hardships due to the economic situation. It also demonstrates government’s commitment to empowering Nigerian youths and nurturing their growth. Moving forward, it is crucial for the government to ensure that such programmes are sustained and not to be suspended.
I’m calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to please investigate the matter in order to sanitise and reinvigorate the programme to renew the hope of Nigerian youths, especially N-Power beneficiaries.
Yusuf Saidu Tara,
Department of Mass Communication,
University of Maiduguri
[email protected]
