The beneficiaries of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Kogi State have cried out over the non-payment of their loan.
The program is part of President Tinubu’s effort to tackle youth unemployment and the creation of jobs through skills acquisition.
In a letter signed by Mr. Tijani Yusuf, a resident of Lokoja and directed to the Director General of the agency, Silas Ali Agara, beneficiaries of the program appealed for intervention and called for the payment of their training allowance, distribution of training equipment, and release of their loans.
Part of the letter reads:
“We, the beneficiaries of the National Directorate for Employment (NDE) program in Kogi State, respectfully bring to your attention the grave mismanagement, corruption, and diversion of resources in the implementation of the NDE program in Kogi State. These irregularities have left many deserving participants without the support promised by the Federal Government, which directly undermines the vision of empowerment championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the core objectives of the NDE”
“The NDE program, which commenced in December of last year, was aimed at equipping Nigerians, particularly the youth, with essential skills and resources to promote self-sufficiency and economic independence. Beneficiaries were to receive training in various fields, such as tailoring, solar energy, phone repair, welding, and food processing, along with transport allowances, equipment for their respective departments, and loans to establish their businesses”
“Unfortunately, the program’s implementation in Kogi State has been marred Unfair Distribution of Equipment. Only a few beneficiaries have received equipment, with some departments having as few as one or two beneficiaries selected to receive equipment. Reports suggest that a full truckload of equipment was delivered to the NDE office in Lokoja, but only a small portion of it was distributed. The remaining equipment was reportedly sold off in international markets, with the proceeds being misappropriated”
“Also, despite submitting loan application forms, participants in Kogi State have not received the loans promised to them. The state coordinator has continuously informed beneficiaries that there has been no communication from Abuja regarding the loan disbursements. However, it has come to our attention that some individuals, who did not participate in the program, have received these loans, with the funds being diverted to friends and relatives of the state coordinator. This misappropriation of funds is deeply troubling”
“Additionally, while some participants have received training allowances ranging from ₦9,000 to ₦30,000, others have received nothing despite fulfilling all training requirements. This uneven distribution has caused significant dissatisfaction among the beneficiaries”
Request for Intervention:
In light of these disturbing developments, we respectfully request the following actions:
1. A thorough investigation into the handling of NDE programs in Kogi State, particularly focusing on the unfair distribution of loans, equipment, and allowances.
2. An audit of the equipment distributed, loans granted, and training allowances paid in Kogi State, to ensure fairness, transparency, and proper use of the funds allocated for the program.
3. Immediate disbursement of loans and payment of outstanding training allowances to all eligible participants, in line with the NDE’s program guidelines, so that they can continue their business ventures.
4. Accountability for those involved in corrupt practices, particularly for those who have diverted loans, equipment, and allowances to themselves and their associates, instead of providing it to the rightful beneficiaries.
5. An intervention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the allegations of financial misappropriation, fraud, and corruption in the management of NDE funds and resources in Kogi State, with the aim of ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
“We have placed our trust in the NDE program, believing that it would provide us with the necessary tools to improve our lives and contribute to the growth of our communities. However, the current mismanagement of the program in Kogi State has caused considerable distress. We appeal to the relevant authorities to act swiftly in resolving this issue and ensuring that the NDE program fulfills its promise of empowerment for the youth.
“We kindly request that His Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, lend his authority and support in urging the management of the NDE in Kogi State to account for their actions and rectify these issues. Furthermore, we urge the EFCC to take immediate action to investigate and prosecute those involved in the corruption and mismanagement of NDE resources in Kogi State.
“We trust that the relevant authorities will act promptly to ensure the fairness and integrity of the NDE program in Kogi State, and by extension, preserve the noble objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.”
Meanwhile, investigation carried out by our reporters indicate that beneficiaries of the program from other states have received their training allowance as well as their equipment and business startup loans.
