The N-Power Batch C Stream II Programme has been officially launched in Cross River State, with processes for deploying beneficiaries to their Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) currently in full swing.
The Focal Person and Commissioner for Humanity and Social Welfare, Hon. (Mrs) Blessing Egbara, said the flagging off of the N-Power Batch C Stream II Programme is an indication of the Federal Government’s commitment to providing a shoulder for less privileged persons, particularly unemployed youths, at a ceremony in Calabar on Thursday to mark the full commencement of the programme in the state.
Egbara, who was represented by Barr. Sylvanus Inyang, a legal counsel in the Ministry, stated that the Buhari-led administration has maintained the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIPs) in order to cushion the effects of economic hardship and societal issues.
In her words,
“Flagging it off about 6 or 7 months to the end of his administration is something very commendable because it presupposes the fact that the beneficiaries are going to outlive his administration.
“Ordinarily, one would have thought that whatever he had initiated would have end upon the conclusion of his government, but because he has a good heart, he’s still continuing with the programme to sustain his goodwill to the people.”
She said the impact of the N-Power Programme has been positive in the state as “so many of the beneficiaries have been deployed to schools to assist in teaching pupils. Of recent the scope of N-Power has been widened to accommodate those in the agric, building and health sectors. Many skills have also been introduced to be learned by beneficiaries. In Cross River State the programme has helped to reduce criminality, especially among youths who hitherto were idle.”
While strongly warning against desertion of duty, the Focal Person urged beneficiaries with making the greatest use of the chance afforded by the N-Power program to build their potential.
She advised PPA heads, however, to ensure that beneficiaries deployed to their facilities are successfully supervised during the duration of their engagements, noting that adequate monitoring is required for the program to meet its objectives.
Mr Samuel Bassey, the Programme Manager for N-Power, stated that recipients were given orientation on how the program operates so that they know what is expected of them.
He revealed that Cross River currently has a total of 6,857 beneficiaries in the N-Power Batch C Stream II, with 1,281 of them being non-graduates.
Giving an assessment of N-Power in the state so far, the Programme Manager said, “I cannot help but appreciate the government for giving us the scheme. It has been very impactful. For instance, in Batch C Stream I, we have beneficiaries who actually helped out in various levels. We have them in the primary schools, health facilities in the state. We have them in agric facilities and they have been helping to fill the gap in manpower needs in those sectors.
“Teachers and other stakeholders have been commending their efforts and contributions to the success and growth of the various PPAs they’ve been assigned to. The non graduate programme, N-Build has been very impactful. The other day we went to evaluate the programme and we saw the various impact it has, even at the grassroots. We saw some trainees becoming expert mechanics and are now having their own workshops where they repair vehicles. We are having success story all around the programmes.
“For me I believe that the programme has been a success. However, there is still need for continuous sensitization and reorientation for beneficiaries – like what we are doing right now – so that they don’t forget why they are in the programme. I am praying that this initiative should be sustained beyond this administration. It should be adapted because it is very sellable and impactful. If worked upon it has the potential to yield astronomical result.”
Elizabeth Utsu, speaking on behalf of other beneficiaries, expressed her joy at being a part of the N-Power Batch C Stream II. She stated that the program would allow them to demonstrate their abilities while also empowering them.
Utsu thanked the Federal Government for establishing the NSIPs and urged for the program’s continuation, claiming that it has served as a temporary solution to the country’s youth unemployment.
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