Npower: Federal Government To Kick Start Recruitment Of Humanitarian Aid Workers Tomorrow Monday 8th January 2024

According to Npower, Npower batch c who intends applying for the Humanitarian Aid Workers job should kindly note that, the online recruitment portal link will be active tomorrow Monday 8th January 2024.

According to Npower, application for the Humanitarian Aid Workers job is free of charge, Npower batch c should avoid making payment to anyone for registration. This Humanitarian Aid Workers job will not only curb unemployment but will improve the ministry's response time and the quality of response to emergency situations going forward. Applicants with skills and experience working in humanitarian crisis situations will have an added advantage.

According to Npower, successful applicants will be employed for 3 months in the first instance, and if the crisis lasts longer than expected, their employment might be extended to six months or 12 months. The Humanitarian Jobs opening of 3 months for new Humanitarian Aid Workers resident in Plateau state will be launched as well.

Npower Batch C Clamours For Mr Afolabi Imoukhuede To Head Npower

Npower batch c cross nationwide are clamouring for the return of Mr Afolabi Imoukhuede to be in charge of Npower.

In a recent publication online, Npower batch c appeals to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to please bring back Mr Afolabi Imoukhuede to anchor Npower.

According to Npower batch c, when Mr Afolabi Imoukhuede was the head of Npower for four years, the Npower Batch A and Npower batch B had a transparent recruitment, shortlisting and selection process without having to know anyone or have connections in the civil service, the Npower batch c beneficiaries also said, Npower payment are been paid directly on a monthly basis without any form of delay nor technical glitches.

Npower was successful under the leadership of Mr Afolabi Imoukhuede because of his dedication, passion and support to build the Nigerian youth and ensured the right set of beneficiaries benefited directly from Npower, until Npower was hijacked by selfish politicians who do not care about the poor and vulnerable masses.

Npower batch C stream 1 and Npower batch c stream 2 have been disorganized especially when it comes to Npower payment to Npower batch c, since Npower was taken over by bad leadership and if the new Npower must see the light of the day under the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) to achieve its goals and objectives, then an experienced, trusted, tested, dedicated, passionate person like Mr Afolabi Imoukhuede should head Npower again, Npower batch c requested.

Npower: Payment Of ₦585,000,000 Into Private Account Of Project Accountant Is Legal – Minister's Aide

Rasheed Zubair, the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister in charge of Npower, Dr. Betta Edu, explains that the transfer of ₦585,000,000 into a personal account of the Project Accountant is legal and conforms with civil service regulations.

Dr. Betta Edu the minister in charge of Npower, in a viral memo personally endorsed by her and forwarded to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF) requested the payment of funds to the personal account of one Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola.

The memo also showed that the disbursement of the ₦585,000,000 grant, meant for vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states, was made into Oniyelu’s personal account.

This has fueled mixed reactions from Nigerian youths online, with many clamouring for the minister’s resignation.

In response to the leaked memo, Rasheed Zubair, the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister in charge of Npower, said the disbursement of funds for the vulnerable group followed the right process.

According to Rasheed Zubair, the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister in charge of Npower, the disbursement of the grant to the private account of Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola was due to the fact that Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola currently serves as the Project Accountant of Grants for Vulnerable Groups (GVG).

Rasheed Zubair, the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister in charge of Npower, said, “It is glaring that the same sponsored disgruntled elements in the past few days have been trying to smear the Honourable Minister, Dr Betta Edu [the minister in charge of Npower], and tarnish her integrity because the minister in charge of Npower, Dr. Betta Edu brought to the notice of the Federal Government, the ongoing ₦44.8 Billion Fraud in the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

“These disgruntled elements have been trying to link her [the minister in charge of Npower] to a phantom fraud and are behind this latest misadventure. However, this latest vile effort of theirs is another infantile blackmail doomed for evisceration.

“For the avoidance, the said ₦585,000,000 was approved, and it is meant to implement grants to vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states.

“We must note that Grants for Vulnerable Groups (GVG) was first launched in Kogi State, where recipients testified. Akwa Ibom and Cross River were launched in December 2023. Kogi already happened in November, and others will be launched in the coming weeks.

“The general public is invited to note that the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups (RHGVG) is one of the social intervention program of the Federal Government of Nigeria, which the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation [the ministry in charge of Npower] is implementing.

“Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola is the Project Accountant for Grants For Vulnerable Groups (GVG) from the Department of Finance, and it is legal in public service for a staff, the project accountant, to be paid and use the same funds legally and retire the same with all receipts and evidence after the project or programme is completed.”

₦585,000,000 Fraud Allegation Against Me Untrue – Minister In Charge Of Npower Dr. Betta Edu

The Minister in charge of Npower Dr. Betta Edu, has said the ₦585,000,000 fraud allegation against her is untrue, lacks fact and an alleged attempt by mischief makers to frustrate her ministry’s effort in combating corruption.

According to Npower, the minister in charge of Npower, revealed this in a statement posted on her Facebook page on Saturday 6th January 2024.

The minister in charge of Npower was criticized after a leaked memo went viral that the Minister in charge of Npower Dr. Betta Edu instructed the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) Mrs Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, to make payment of ₦585,000,000 to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget, who the ministry in charge of Npower claimed currently holds a position as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups (GVG).

The request for the transfer of fund into the private account Oniyelu Bridget is contained in a leaked memo dated December 20th, 2023.

According to Npower, Dr. Betta Edu (the minister in charge of Npower) on Friday 5th January 2024, said the ₦585,000,000 Grant for Vulnerable Groups (GVG) in four states was authorized and followed due process.

The minister in charge of Npower, Dr. Betta Edu , stated that the allegation is a mere fabrication by her haters who strive to undermine her efforts in her battle against corruption and uplifting the poor, vulnerable and needy from abject poverty.

Dr. Betta Edu the minister in charge of Npower said, “I am writing to address recent news making rounds about alleged fraud within the Ministry of Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation (the ministry in charge of Npower).

“As the minister, I want to assure Nigerians that these claims are untrue and an attempt to frustrate the efforts we are making to tackle corruption and alleviate poverty.

“In the course of our work, we have encountered opposition from forces whose hands may not be clean, but I want to stress that our commitment to transparency, accountability, and eliminating corruption remains unshaken.

“The challenges we face only strengthen our resolve to serve with integrity and dedication.

“I believe in the power of truth prevailing, and with God as my strength, I am confident that our collaborative efforts will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of the poor and vulnerable. Your trust and support are indispensable as we move through these unwarranted allegations.

Accountant General Of The Federation (AGF) Says ‘Memo Not Appropriate' From Minister In Charge Of Npower Dr. Betta Edu, Says Office Of The Accountant General Of The Federation (OAGF) Does Not Make Payments For Projects

The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr Oluwatoyin Madein, has made it clear that the Office Of The Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), does not make payments on behalf of Ministries, Departments and Agencies for projects and programmes implemented by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

According to Npower, the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) in response to a memo sent to the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) by Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister in charge of Npower, said the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) failed to make the said payment and rather advised the minister in charge of Npower Dr. Betta Edu on the necessary process to go about it. 

Dr. Betta Edu the Minister in charge of Npower has been in the news few days ago, when a major news publication reported how the Minister in charge of Npower, demanded that ₦585.198 million be transferred into a private account for a said project without following the right process.

Reports have it that Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister in charge of Npower, requested that the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mrs Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein to transfer public funds to a private account belonging to Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola, identified as a project manager by the Minister in charge of Npower Dr. Betta Edu. 

A letter from the minister in charge of Npower, with reference number: FMHAPA/HQ/OHM/S.208 to the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mrs Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein dated December 20th, 2023, had requested that over ₦585,000,000 should be sent to a private account. 

The letter signed by the minister in charge of Npower, Dr. Betta Edu, is titled “Mandate for Payment of Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos and Ogun States Respectively.”

But in a recent publication, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) made it clear that the minister in charge of Npower Dr. Betta Edu, made some violations which made the request not to be approved. 

According to Bawa Mokwa, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) Director (Press), the office said, “The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr Oluwatoyin Madein, has made it clear that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) does not make payments on behalf of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for projects and programmes implemented by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

“The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) was reacting to media reports concerning a request from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (the ministry in charge of Npower) to pay grants to vulnerable groups in some States of the Federation.

“Dr Oluwatoyin Madein stated that allocations are released to self-accounting Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in line with the budget, and such Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are responsible for the implementation of their projects and payments for such projects.

“In a statement in Abuja, the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) Dr Oluwatoyin Madein explained that although the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) received the said request from the Ministry in charge of Npower, the office did not carry out the payment. The Ministry in charge of Npower, was, however, advised on the necessary steps to take in making such payments in line with the established payment procedure.

“The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) said that in such instances, payments are usually processed by the affected Ministries as self-accounting entities and no bulk transfer is supposed to be made to an individual’s private account in the name of Project Accountant.

“Dr Oluwatoyin Madein added that such transfers should be sent to the beneficiaries through their verified bank accounts. Dr Oluwatoyin Madein emphasized her determination to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency in the management of public funds. Dr Oluwatoyin Madein the Accountant General of the Federation advised Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to always ensure that the required processes are taken in carrying out financial transactions.”

Dr. Betta Edu Minister In Charge Of Npower Explains Why She Approved Payment Of ₦585,198,500

According to Npower, the end is yet to be unfolded in the alleged misappropriation of funds in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation the ministry in charge of Npower, as a document has surfaced that the Minister in charge of Npower, Dr. Betta Edu allegedly transfered ₦585,198,500 into a personal account.

According to a document signed by Dr. Betta Edu the minister in charge of Npower, that has now gone viral all over the cyberspace, this document showed how the minister in charge of Npower directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, to transfer ₦585,198,500 to a private account in the person of Oniyelu Bridget.

According to Npower, the viral document also showed that the payment of the ₦585.1 million grant, meant for the poor and vulnerable persons in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states, was made into Oniyelu’s private account.

In response to this development, the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister in charge of Npower, Rasheed Zubair said ₦585,198 million payment for the poor and vulnerable groups was approved and followed due process.

The Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister in charge of Npower, Rasheed Zubair stated that the payment of the grant to the private account of Oniyelu Bridget, was because the fellow currently serves as the Project Accountant of Grants for Vulnerable Groups.

The Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister in charge of Npower, Rasheed Zubair explained that the payment of the ₦585,198 million grant was meant for the poor and vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun and Lagos states.

According to the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister in charge of Npower, Rasheed Zubair “For the avoidance, the said ₦585,198 million was approved, and it is meant to implement grants to the poor and vulnerable groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ogun, and Lagos states."

“We must note that the Grant For Vulnerable Groups (GVG) was first launched in Kogi State, where recipients of this grants testified publicly. Akwa Ibom and Cross River followed in December 2023. Kogi already happened in November, and other states will kick off in the coming weeks."

“The general public is invited to note that the Renewed Hope Grant for Vulnerable Groups is one of the social intervention schemes of the Federal Government, which the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation the ministry in charge of Npower is implementing."

“Oniyelu Bridget is the Project Accountant for Grants For Vulnerable Groups (GVG) from the Department of Finance, and it is legal in civil service for a staff, the project accountant, to be paid and use the same funds legally and retire the same with all receipts and evidence after the project or programme is concluded."

According to Npower, this lattest development has made Nigerian youths online to raise eyebrows as Nigerian youths wondered why a large amount of the Federal Government’s fund would be paid to an individual’s private account.

A reliable source, gathered that public sector financial regulations of 2009 prohibit the transfer of public funds to the account of a private individual.

Section 713 of the law states, “Personal money shall in no circumstances be paid into a government bank account, nor shall any public money be paid into a private bank account. An officer who pays public money into a private account is deemed to have done so with fraudulent intention.”

Recall that few days ago President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, (the agency in charge of Npower) Ms. Halima Shehu, an agency under Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (the ministry in charge of Npower) headed by Dr. Betta Edu over alleged misappropriation of public funds.

This led to the arrest and interrogation of Ms. Halima Shehu by the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged ₦44 billion fraud, the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was able to trace and freeze ₦30 billion transfered from the National Social Investment Programme Agency's accounts.

In similar vein, a former Minister of the Ministry in charge of Npower, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, was invited by the the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over a financial scandal allegedly carried out through one contractor, in the name of Mr. James Okwete.

 

Minister In Charge Of Npower Dr. Betta Edu Allegedly Withdraws ₦3bn In One Month, Causes Dispute Between Former CEO of the NSIPA And The Minister

According to Npower, reports have emerged regarding Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister in charge of Npower, who allegedly withdrew ₦3bn from the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) the agency in charge of Npower, within just 1 month.

According to a reliable source, this withdrawal caused a dispute between the Minister in charge of Npower, and the former National Social Investment Programme Agency boss Ms. Halima Shehu. Ms. Halima Shehu the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Agency the agency in charge of Npower, opposed the use of public funds by the Minister in charge of Npower, under the guise of National Social Register (NSR) Verification, without proper evidence or approval from the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) account.

According to Npower, a reliable source reported that the funds were withdrawn without the knowledge of the former NSIPA boss Ms. Halima Shehu. To prevent against further unapproved withdrawals, the National Social Investment Programme Agency Accounting Officer decided to secure the remaining funds. Ms. Halima Shehu, the former NSIPA boss, redirected the remaining funds from accounts dedicated for Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) and Grants for Vulnerable Groups (GVG) to protect them from misuse.

Minister In Charge Of Npower Dr. Betta Edu Denies Allegations Surrounding ₦3bn National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) Scandal

According to Npower, Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister in charge of Npower, has disproved allegations linking her with an alleged ₦3bn National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) scandal the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) is the agency in charge of Npower. 

According to a statement made by Mr. Wasiu Olarewaju, the Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to the Minister in charge of Npower Dr. Betta Edu, this claims were intended to shift attention from the ongoing Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigations.

According to a statement made by the Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to the Minister in charge of Npower, "Dr. Betta Edu stressed that no ₦3bn was withdrawn from the National Social Investment Programme Agency's fund during her tenure. The verification exercise for the National Social Register (NSR) had approvals from the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to enhance credibility and expansion of the register."

Stressing further, according to the Special Adviser on Media & Publicity to the Minister in charge of Npower, "all Ministry programs, including the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) and Grants for Vulnerable Groups (GVG), received approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The Ministry in charge of Npower Dr. Betta Edu neither withdrew nor handled ₦3bn from the NSIPA account without proper diligence and approval from relevant authorities."

"Dr. Betta Edu the Minister in charge of Npower, categorically denies any involvement in the current issues faced by the National Social Investment Programme Agency's leadership and pleads that her name should not be linked to ongoing suspensions and investigations sanctioned by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu."

According to Npower, remaining steadfast in supporting vulnerable Nigerian youths, the Minister in charge of Npower Dr. Betta Edu reaffirms her dedication to uplifting fifty million Nigerian youths out of poverty within forty two months, this is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Job Creation Program, that is the new Npower. According to Npower, the media, both online and offline, are implored to stop using the Minister's reputation to divert attention from the ongoing EFCC's investigations.

Npower: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Releases, Re-invites Former National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) Ms. Halima Shehu

According to Npower, the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Tuesday night January 2nd 2024, freed the former National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) the agency in charge of Npower, Ms. Halima Shehu.

According to Npower, the former National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) the agency in charge of Npower, Ms. Halima Shehu, was released at 11pm Tuesday night January 2nd 2024, but was told by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to return by 11am yesterday morning 3rd January 2024, for continuation of her interrogation.

“Ms. Halima Shehu the former National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) the agency in charge of Npower, was detained but freed by 11pm yesterday night. Ms. Halima Shehu will return 11am Wednesday morning for further interrogation,” according to a reliable source.

According to Npower, Ms. Halima Shehu, who allegedly resisted arrest for over 8 hours on Tuesday 2nd January, was finally picked up in connection with the movement of ₦44 billion from the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) account to some suspicious accounts within the last 4 days in December 2023.

According to Npower, the interception and recovery of the cash followed some alleged payments of billions of naira by the agency in charge of Npower, without the president's consent.

According to Npower, it was learnt that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) might have recommended Ms. Halima Shehu’s suspension to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Ms. Halima Shehu the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, the agency in charge of Npower, indefinite suspension, was based on an initial investigation, this was to pave the way for an unrestrained probe of the infringement.

According to Npower, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, who were drafted to the National Coordinator’s private office and home, arrested her at about 8pm on Tuesday, night.

According to Npower, after searching the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency's home and office, Ms. Halima Shehu was taken into custody at about 9pm for interrogation.

According to Npower, report also have it that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was closing in on a director of the agency in charge of Npower, who was allegedly involved in the huge payments into the suspicious accounts.

The former Director of Finance NSIPA the agency in charge of Npower, Hamza Buwai, it was gathered was presently on the run and trying to escape from Nigeria.

Investigation revealed that following intelligence, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) discovered “unusual transfer of billions of naira” from NSIPA’s account. It was common knowledge that agency in charge of Npower, heads have approval limit of ₦10 million only from government coffers.

According to Npower, a reliable source, said: “The the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raised eyebrows on the suspicious payments of billions of naira into some individual and corporate accounts.

“Initial investigation showed that there was no presidential approval or ministerial approval for the payment of such huge funds from government coffers.

“Pre-emptive steps were immediately put in place to track the suspicious funds. So far, about ₦17 billion has been intercepted and recovered from some accounts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“Our team is working 24 hours to trace and recover the remaining billions of naira suspected to have been laundered from the Social Investment Programme as cash.”

An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) source explained how the former NSIPA boss was arrested.”

He said: “Shortly after her suspension, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), operatives laid siege to Ms Halima Shehu's office in Maitama District, Abuja but it took almost 9 hours to arrest Ms. Halima Shehu. “While the operation lasted, the EFCC chairman directed that the operatives should not break into Ms. Halima Shehu's office or her residence but wait patiently for Ms. Halima Shehu to come out. Ms. Halima Shehu the ex-boss of NSIPA the agency in charge of Npower, was heard making several calls for rescue or escape.

“Eventually, Ms. Halima Shehu was arrested and detained by EFCC. Ms. Halima Shehu the former boss of NSIPA investigation immediately commenced based on previous findings.”

According to Npower, before Ms. Halima Shehu's appointment, Ms. Halima Shehu worked as the National Coordinator of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme which was dented by several irregularities under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ms. Halima Shehu the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency the agency in charge of Npower, also served with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development the ministry in charge of Npower, between 2017 and 2022, under Sadia Umar Farouq who is being investigated for an alleged ₦37 billion fraud.

According to Npower, investigation so far confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wielded the big stick because Ms. Halima Shehu the former CEO of NSIPA the agency in charge of Npower, had earlier defied a presidential directive to work with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation the minister in charge of Npower, Dr. Betta Edu, to pay the outstanding Npower payment to Npower batch c of Npower before Xmas.

About 400,000 Npower batch c have not received Npower payment in the past few months.

According to a reliable source: “the suspended National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency the agency in charge of Npower, Ms. Halima Shehu, did not work with the Minister Dr. Betta Edu as expected on Npower. Following the resistance of the presidential directive by Ms. Halima Shehu, the presidency asked the Minister in charge of Npower, Dr Betta Edu to liaise with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) to pay Npower batch c for the first month which was successfully done.

“Amidst this challenge, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intercepted suspicious payments by NSIPA the agency in charge of Npower. The president Bola Ahmed Tinubu had no choice than to approve Ms. Halima Shehu's suspension  as requested by the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).”

According to Npower, EFCC was on the trail of a director of the Social Investment Agency the agency in charge of Npower, Hamza Bawai, who was central to the suspicious payments.

Minister In Charge Of Npower, Dr. Betta Edu Says She Never Went On Break; Minister Calls For Renewed Effort To Take Nigerian Youths Out of Poverty

According to Npower, the Minister in charge of Npower,  Dr. Betta Edu, on Tuesday 2nd January 2024, resumed in her office after her visit to Plateau state to offer relief items for persons affected by the Plateau Massacre on Xmas Eve.

Addressing members of staff of the Ministry in charge of Npower, on her first day in office in 2024, the Minister in charge of Npower Dr. Betta Edu called for renewed, collaborative efforts to pull vulnerable Nigerian youths out of poverty.

According to Npower,  the Minster in charge of Npower Dr. Betta Edu reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's dedication to alleviating poverty and eradicating humanitarian challenges within the tenure of his administration.

According to Dr. Betta Edu the minister in charge of Npower, "What is most important is that we must draw out our goals and we must be focused to achieve them. We must be transparent and accountable in our dealings, and we must put the poor and vulnerable youths first in all our interventions.

"We need to work as a team. We need to be more innovative in our approach and strategy, and we need to be more committed to work,"

Dr. Betta Edu the minister in charge of Npower, assured Nigerian youths that she and her team would continue to work round the clock to meet 100%, of the mandate given to the Ministry in charge of Npower by the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Dr. Betta Edu the minister in charge of Npower, noted that in the last one month, even during the Yuletide, she and her staff never went on break, as they were on the field attending to the vulnerable and poor Nigerians in various parts of the Federation.

"Even during the Xmas and new year break, we were out there bringing succour to the poor and vulnerable in parts of the Federation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu which aims to free Nigerian youths from poverty.

"Throughout December, we achieved more mile stones. Conditional Cash Transfer paid additional five hundred and thirty two thousand persons following in person verification, Renewed Hope Shelter for Poor and Internally Displaced Persons  completed ground clearing and grading of ten hectares for the building of forty houses we also installed bore holes to provide water for construction. The rural vocational skill program trained five hundred people in Adamawa State, and we launched Renewed Hope Grant for vulnerable groups in Cross River state and some other states. Npower batch c received one month Npower payment out of their back log pending recovery of their funds removed from account. 

"We were also in plateau state to condole and offer emergency response succour to communities affected by the Xmas Eve massacre. We got in on first January, back to Abuja.

"And today,  the 2nd of January 2024,  we are back to office working. The reason is simple: We must deliver on our mandate. We have a mandate to pull fifty million Nigerians out of poverty within forty one months, and all of us must commit to it, "the Minister in charge of Npower, Dr  Betta Edu said.

According to Npower, Dr Betta Edu revealed that in the coming weeks, the federal government,  through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation the ministry in charge of Npower,  will kick off several social intervention schemes including the New Npower, End Hunger and Code Nigeria  programme, Grow Nigeria, and revitalize most programs under the ministry and its agencies, all these programs are geared towards giving vulnerable and poor Nigerians a new lease of life.

Npower: Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Set To Interrogate Former Minister In Charge Of Npower, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk Over Alleged ₦37.1 Billion Fraud

According to Npower, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to interrogate the ex-minister in charge of Npower Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk, over an alleged ₦37.1 billion fraud linked to Npower.

An insider within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed this development to Channels Television during a recent telephone interview on Wednesday, January 3rd 2024.

Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk, who served as minister in charge of Npower, under former President Muhammadu Buhari from August 2019 to May 29, 2023, is at the center of an investigation into the suspected misappropriation of ₦37.1 billion during her tenureship, in conjunction with one contractor Mr. James Okwete.

According to Npower, last week, the ex-minister, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk was formally invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as part of an ongoing probe into her activities during her tenure.

According to Npower, ₦37.1 billion, allegedly passed through illicit channels when she was the Minister in charge of Npower, prompting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to delve into the situation.

Despite the former Minister's invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk the former Minister in charge of Npower, is yet to make an appearance at the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, the former minister in charge of Npower, was scheduled to show up at 10am but did not show up.

According to Npower, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), revealed that other officials who worked alongside Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouk the former minister in charge of Npower, have also been invited to provide insights into the functioning of the ministry in charge of Npower, during the last 4 years.

The interrogation follows the immediate suspension of Ms. Halima Shehu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), the agency in charge of Npower, by President Bola Tinubu.

The National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) responsible for managing Npower and other social investment programs, has been under investigation and scrutiny recently.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Mr. Akindele Egbuwalo, the National program Manager in charge of Npower, as an acting Chief Executive Officer and Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), the agency in charge of Npower, pending the outcome of the investigation, of alleged ₦17 billion misappropriation of funds by the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), the agency in charge of Npower.

While the exact reasons for the suspension of Ms. Halima Shehu remains unclear, it has been suggested that the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) the agency in charge of Npower, also be summoned for interrogation to respond to questions regarding her tenure.

As the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) intensifies its investigation into alleged misappropriation of funds, this development marks a critical juncture in ensuring transparency and accountability within the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA) the agency in charge of Npower and the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation the ministry in charge of Npower.