N-Power beneficiaries count gains after 5 months of empowerment

Some beneficiaries of the Federal Government N-Power under the National Social Investment Programme (N-NIP), have started counting the gains of the programme after five months of empowerment.

N-Power is one of the components of N-SIP, aimed at empowering Nigerians both graduates and non-graduates between the ages of 18 and 35 by paying them N30, 000 monthly over a period of two years.

Some of the beneficiaries, who spoke with NAN on Wednesday in Abuja, said that the programme had established them and taken them out of poverty. Nwanjel Alfred, a beneficiary of N-Power graduate scheme in Plateau said he was employed under the scheme and posted to a Nomadic Primary school in the state as a teacher.

“I graduated in 2011, did NYSC in 2012 and I was not employed for five years; I studied Biology Education but have passion for agriculture. “There is no capital to start agric project but as soon as I started receiving my stipend in December 2016,  I went into farming. “I have been able to plant and harvest 15 bags of Irish Potatoes seedlings and I thank God the potatoes are doing well.

“Hopefully in July, I should be able to harvest 50 bags from the farm,’’ he said. The beneficiary, however, appealed to the government to ensure the sustainability of the programme by giving them full employment after the two years duration of the programme. Similarly, a beneficiary from Taraba, Jeremiah Daniel who graduated in 2008, said he became a photographer as there was no job. “A photographer turns a teacher, courtesy of N-power and I have been able to embark on contributory scheme from my stipend.