N-Power beneficiaries seek reinstatement of 500,000, N500b grant

By our voice our power

The N- Power Youth Congress ( N- PYC ) has demanded reinstatement of the disengaged 500, 000 beneficiaries across the country and the N500 b paid to them as exit package.

N- PYC ’ s National Coordinator , Joseph Enan Maigari, made the request at a media briefing in Maiduguri , Borno State at the weekend, saying: “ This is the third briefing on the matter , yet , the Federal Government has refused to listen to our demands . ”

He said if the Federal Government could not absorb the disengaged beneficiaries, it should pay N 500 b grant to the 500 , 000 youths as exit package .

“ I followed President Muhammadu Buhari ’ s address to the nation last Thursday in his response to # EndSARS protesters ’ demands, but nothing was said about the 500 , 000 youth, ” he said .

On the President ’ s campaign promises , he said : “ Once Again, we are reminding President Buhari of his promises to us . The youth will not relent until their demands are met , ” adding that 36 states representatives of N- Power beneficiaries had earlier made their demands.

Lamenting their disengagements , he said : “ We were struggling in different spheres of life to make a living . We were also meant to quit the things we were doing, before being engaged in the N- Power scheme. The Federal Government also pledged to absorb the youth after winding up the scheme. ”

He noted that the youth were made to serve the country with a monthly stipend of N30 , 000 , adding that the monthly allowance could not meet their families ’ basic needs , including school fees, electricity and water bills .

“ Absorb those that want to work with the Federal Government or give them a reasonable exit package to enable them to venture into other enterprises . ”

He said Boko Haram insurgents were empowered under the auspices of “ Repentant Boko Haram , adding: “ The innocent and harmless 500 , 000 beneficiaries have been crying every day , but no one listens to our cries . They will, however , continue to be law - abiding citizens .