Npower News reports that Adeshina A. Adex, the Publicity Secretary for Npower, has called on the federal government to lift the suspension on Npower

Npower News reports that Adeshina A. Adex, the Publicity Secretary for Npower, has called on the federal government to lift the suspension on Npower so beneficiaries of Batch C can receive their overdue payments. Adex also criticized claims advising beneficiaries to log into their Npower portal, stating that these claims are false.

Adex emphasized that these young Nigerians are not asking for charity but are demanding what is rightfully theirs. The government is urged to promptly address this issue to rectify the situation and restore hope.

The National Association of Npower Beneficiaries has demanded that the government act immediately to pay the outstanding stipends for beneficiaries who have worked for up to 12 months without compensation. This situation is described as unjust and unacceptable.

Additionally, Adex warned that the original NASIMS portal remains inaccessible and advised against engaging with scammers who are creating fake websites and misleading beneficiaries.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Empowers 1,000 Women in Kaduna

 

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has allocated N50 million in grants to support 1,000 women petty traders in Kaduna State as part of an economic empowerment program. Represented by Laila Jibrin Barau, the wife of the Deputy Senate President, Tinubu emphasized that this initiative aims to significantly boost local women entrepreneurs and reflects the government’s commitment to economic empowerment.

This grant is part of a larger N1.8 billion effort under the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme, which targets 37,000 women petty traders nationwide.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, represented by his Chief of Staff Liman Kila, acknowledged the program’s significance, noting that a lack of start-up capital is a major obstacle for women in business.

HURIWA Supports Ned Nwoko's Proposal to Replace Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with National Social Security Agency

 

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has endorsed Senator Ned Nwoko's proposal to replace the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with a National Social Security Agency under the President's Office.

HURIWA emphasized the urgent need to rethink Nigeria’s social welfare approach amid escalating poverty, widespread unemployment, and growing despair among citizens.

According to DAILY POST, Senator Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial District, has advocated for a significant overhaul of Nigeria's social safety net in a letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He criticized the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs for not addressing the underlying causes of poverty and social insecurity and proposed a National Social Security Agency as a more sustainable solution aligned with global best practices.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA supported Senator Nwoko’s call. The group argued that social security is a fundamental right and criticized the current model of social support as patronizing and perpetuating dependency.

HURIWA suggested that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs represents a flawed system, relying on temporary relief rather than long-term empowerment. They outlined several reasons for adopting Nwoko’s recommendations, including the need for a shift from charity-based support to a rights-based approach that respects the dignity of vulnerable Nigerians.

The association highlighted that a National Social Security Agency, supported by a centralized database, would better address the needs of Nigeria's most vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, disabled, widows, orphans, unemployed, and internally displaced persons (IDPs). They praised the proposal for its focus on using accurate, up-to-date data, facilitated by the National Identification Number (NIN), to ensure social security benefits are effectively targeted and reduce fraud.

HURIWA also endorsed the proposal’s sustainable funding model and its potential to address the root causes of social unrest, noting that many current protests stem from hunger, poverty, and hopelessness. The agency, by ensuring basic needs are met, could help alleviate these pressures and contribute to a more stable and peaceful society.

Npower News: Beneficiaries Still Awaiting Stipends After Four Years

In a recent live session with Npower's Publicity Secretary, Adeshina A. Adex, the National Publicity Secretary addressed concerns about outstanding stipends. He indicated that feedback from the Ministry is expected tomorrow following his contact with the National Chairman of Npower beneficiaries. Adeshina A. Adex also mentioned his plan to visit media outlets in Abuja on Wednesday to inquire about arranging interviews. According to Npower News, the program, which began in 2020, has yet to disburse stipends to its beneficiaries even after four years. Adeshina A. Adex also requested advice from beneficiaries on how to amplify their concerns on a national level.

Nwoko Advocates for National Social Security Agency to Replace Humanitarian Affairs Ministry

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to replace the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with a National Social Security Agency directly under the President’s office.

In an open letter to the President, Nwoko criticized the ministry’s reliance on charitable donations, arguing that it demeans recipients and perpetuates poverty. He described the current system as failing to address core issues and fostering dependency.

Nwoko emphasized that the outcry from Nigerians reflects a widespread frustration with living without basic needs and a secure future. He proposed that social security should be viewed not as charity but as a fundamental right. 

He suggested that the establishment of a National Social Security Agency would provide a more efficient and respectful approach, ensuring that vulnerable populations, including the elderly, disabled, widows, orphans, and the unemployed, receive proper support. This agency would maintain offices in all 774 local government areas and manage a comprehensive database to address needs related to housing, employment, and healthcare.

Nwoko criticized the existing model for creating dependence and misallocating funds, advocating for a transformative shift towards empowering individuals rather than offering temporary relief. He stressed that a new framework should recognize social security as a right and enable the government to focus on broader governance issues.

President Tinubu’s Student Loan Scheme: A Program for All Nigerians

 

The Student Loan Scheme is founded on the highest ideals and aims to secure the nation’s future and promise a prosperous future for many young Nigerians. Its core purpose is to eliminate financial barriers and ensure access to higher education and skill development for every Nigerian student, regardless of their background, religion, appearance, connections, or political beliefs.

As someone who had to work as an English and Literature teacher to fund my education after losing my parents young, I personally understand the relief this scheme offers. For many students who faced financial struggles, President Bola Tinubu’s Student Loan Scheme represents a significant opportunity—a beacon of hope and a gateway to a bright future.

Despite some concerns about exclusion from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which administers the scheme, NELFUND has clarified the process. They have sent verification lists to eligible institutions and are processing payments for those that have responded. The scheme is available to students in all public tertiary institutions, with the initial phase focused on federal higher institutions. Future phases will cover other types of institutions. Eligible students must provide proof of admission and relevant documentation. 

The scheme is intended to benefit all Nigerians, but only those who apply will receive the loan. Some regions, particularly in the south, may show less participation, but the program is national and inclusive. As of July 31, 2024, over N1.1 billion has been disbursed to 20,000 students, with more funds allocated since then. Institutions in the South-East, such as the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, among others, have already received funding.

It is crucial to support and trust in this innovative initiative. The Student Loan Scheme is designed for everyone, ensuring no one is excluded or left behind.

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