Betta Edu: FG to revamp N-Power, include more beneficiaries

Betta Edu, minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, says plans are underway to revamp the N-Power scheme to accommodate more beneficiaries and ensure prompt stipend payment. 

The N-Power scheme is an initiative aimed at building the skills of youth and promoting entrepreneurship.

In a statement on Sunday in Abuja, the minister said the programme will be relaunched with a ‘renewed hope’ concept. 

“We will change the modalities so that people will get their delayed stipends, include more people, and relaunch it with a renewed hope concept,” Rasheed Zubair, special adviser, media and publicity, quoted Edu as saying. 

She said the ministry plans to establish humanitarian hubs across the 774 local government areas in the country. 

The establishment of the hubs, she said, would be a long-term goal towards eradicating poverty in Nigeria.

Edu said the hubs would accommodate homegrown commodities, which would be sold at cheaper rates to Nigerians.

She said the ministry would send its staff to all the LGAs to get feedback, in addition to engaging in digital tracking of the palliatives.

Edu said the digital tracking of the palliatives is aimed at determining the time, location, household, and individuals they are delivered to.

“This is to ensure transparent and effective disbursement of palliatives; we also plan to bring on board independent monitors to ensure the relief materials reach those in need,” the minister said. 

“Under my watch, the ministry will address poverty through Job creation, cash transfer to poor Nigerians.

“We will ensure engagement with the Nutrition Department, the establishment of Micro Small and Medium Enterprise and provision of stimulus to their business.” 

She assured Nigerians of her commitment to curtail the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria through a prompt response.

“Nigerians should be rest assured that all existing empowerment schemes within the National Investment Programme will be rejigged to cover more people effectively,” she said. 

Edu assured that President Bola Tinubu has huge economic plans for Nigeria to meet Nigerians’ short and long-term needs.