N-Power: Beneficiaries Stage Protest In Lagos

 

 Several beneficiaries of the Federal Government's N-Power scheme on Tuesday in Lagos took to the streets to express their displeasure with the state government for not deeming it fit to make their engagement permanent, Allnews.ng reports.

The protesters vowed not to back down on their agitation for permanency until the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration yields to their demand.

Allnews.ng understands that some of the beneficiaries (mostly N-Teach) had already gone on strike by refusing to go to their Place of Primary Assignments (PPAs).

This action is coming against the backdrop of the government of the 'Centre of Excellence' recruiting 1000+ teachers without considering the N-Teach volunteers.

The protest, Allnews.ng gathered, started at LTV Blue Roof Arena, Ikeja and beneficiaries (mostly 2016 volunteers) marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly to voice their grievances.

Sadiya Farouq, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development had repeatedly said that the 2016 volunteers will be exited from the programme, much to the aversion of the Nigerian youths who believe they have given enough and deserve to be made permanent staff of the government.

Of all the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIPs), N-Power is the most popular.

The N-Power was introduced in 2016 with the aim of reducing unemployment among Nigerian graduates and non-graduates between the ages of 18 and 35.

The volunteers are paid N30,000 monthly as stipends and given tablet computers to aid further learning.

See some photos/reactions below:

 

This is not to put the pressure on the govt but if things were to be done properly, Volunteers won't have to take to the streets in the first place. They are well deserving of it. It's only fair you heed to their cries.#Npowerlagprotest

— Ernst Etse (@Worldz_Greatest) March 3, 2020

 

We have been working earnestly and assiduously for over 3 years now - no promotion and incentives. We are tired of the erratic stipends. We need to be considered for a gainful employment, because we have a future to fulfil. WE DESERVE PERMANENCY. #NpowerLagProtest

— Bello yusuf (@tunyuz) March 3, 2020

We are not ghost workers!
We have served Lagos with passion..#employus#NpowerLagProtest

— Borkol548 (@borkol548) March 3, 2020

We deserve permanency.
We have been working for the state for 3 years now. #NPowerLagProtest @jidesanwoolu @drobafemihamzat @BOGbadamosi pic.twitter.com/QE8VZF9Tuh

— Etti Sidikat Ayoka (@Siddick04) March 3, 2020

Lagos State Npower Volunteers deserve permanent jobs. #NpowerLagProtest pic.twitter.com/BRHczZLSUs

— Oladosu olayinka (@Oladosuolayin10) March 3, 2020

We won't rest not until the government hear our agitation.. #NpowerLagProtest pic.twitter.com/fceduZh5rP

— Oyewole hammid (@hammid_oyewole) March 3, 2020

N-power Volunteers troop out en masse to protest for permanency. #NpowerLagProtest pic.twitter.com/cYz84BnQmU

March 3, 2020—