Some recipients of the Federal Government’s Extended Special Public Works program, also known as “774,000 jobs,” claim to have used their N20,000 monthly stipends to expand their businesses.
Those who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Monday said the stipends were used wisely.
Margaret Anthony, a businesswoman who sells snacks and beverages, said the stipends allowed her to purchase more goods and that her company was doing well.
“As you can see, my business is expanding thanks to this program.” I now have my own personal kiosk where I sell my wares to passers-by.
“We hope the Federal Government will implement more empowerment programs for women and youth,” she said.
Miss Anthonia Agu, who also sells snacks and beverages, said the 774,000 new jobs had helped her business.
She went on to say that before the program, she only sold biscuits, but now she sells meat pies, buns, and egg rolls, among other things.
Miss Agu prayed to God to guide the government in continuing to assist the poor through more empowerment programs.
Muhammad Inuwa, who sells live chickens and chicken feed, praised the Federal Government for the program, saying it had increased his business capital.
“Before the program, I used to sell three bags of chicken feed in three days; now, I sell ten bags of chicken feed in the same amount of time.”
“I now sell 20 chickens or more in three days, compared to five to seven chickens previously.”
“The program has greatly aided the poor. “We are pleading with the government to implement more empowerment programs that will reduce poverty in society,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Sulaiman Usman, a tailor, said he used the N20,000 monthly stipend to buy clothing materials, sew, and sell in neighboring towns and villages.