Need for free and fair screening of N-Power Batch C applicants: SIR: Now that the federal government is set to absorb another 400,000 beneficiaries under Batch C of the N-Power programme, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, should ensure that all the pending entitlements of Batches A and B are paid and they are given opportunities and packages for safe landing.
Given the sheer number of those that have applied – over five million youths – from reports, I suggest that the minister make some changes. There is a need for free and fair screening of the applicants. Let there be justice and equity among the 774 local governments in the country.
The ministry must also develop a new strategy for ensuring that the mistake of enrolling those already in gainful employment is not repeated in Batch C.
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The federal government should see the large number of applicants as a challenge for it to venture into more in job creation and poverty eradication initiatives.
The huge number of Batch C applicants indicates that the unemployment rate is on the increase, and if it is not tackled, insecurity would continue to be the order of the day.
Bilyaminu Gambo Kong-kol, Bayero University, Kano
