By Akinwale Kasali
The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has been indicted by Participants of the Skill-To-Wealth Program over alleged failed promises. They are lamenting the failure of the Ministry in implementing the empowerment grants promised them during the flag-off ceremony.
The Participants also complained about the shoddy handling of the training program, lamenting that despite the promise of empowerment and support, the program fell short of expectations, as the Participants are bearing the brunt and consequences.
Following this development, the Participants have petitioned the Senate and the House of Representatives to wade into the issue.
The initiative, according to the Spokesperson of the Participants, Oludare Israel, is designed to tackle youth unemployment, build resilience, and transform lives, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In the petition addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, the Participants stated that one of the initiatives of the indicted Ministry
is the Skills-to-Wealth program, which aims to empower Nigerian youths with practical skills in areas such as; Agriculture; targeted at enhancing food security and create employment opportunities.
Also, Renewable Energy which is aimed at promoting sustainable energy solutions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and also Automobile Maintenance; aimed at equipping youths with skills in vehicle maintenance and repair.
It further stated that the program was flagged off by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, on May 15, 2025, at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) in Oshodi, Lagos State.
Sadly, Israel stated that Participants are expressing their deep disappointment and frustration to the National Assembly over the unpleasant and lackadaisical attitude of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction’s handling of the recent training program.
The Participants further lamented the poor welfare condition meted to them during the Training as they alleged that they were grossly neglected.
“The Feeding arrangements were inadequate, leading to many participants falling ill due to poor nutrition.
“Accommodation facilities were substandard, with many participants forced to sleep on corridors or in overcrowded rooms infested with bedbugs. The facilitators and organizers showed a blatant disregard for our well-being, ignoring our pleas for improvement”, Israel stated.
Speaking further, Israel stated that inferior and inadequate equipment were used in the training.
“Participants in the Solar Energy department received only solar panels and batteries without essential tools like inverters and toolboxes.
“Agriculture Business participants received water pumps, solar panels, and knapsack sprayers.
Automobile participants received inferior toolboxes, engine oil, and computer tablets that were incapable of reading car engines from 2010 models and above.
“The most egregious breach of promise was the failure to provide grants to participants as promised during the flag-off ceremony. Instead of support for startup businesses, participants were left with nothing but empty promises. The facilitating companies offered token transportation allowances that were later reduced without explanation”.
The Participants stressed that the Ministry have betrayed the trust leveled on them following the Ministry’s failure to fulfill its promises and commitments.
Furthermore, Israel stated the inferior equipment provided for training and lack of grants have left the Participants without the necessary support to start their own businesses.
The Participants are demanding that the Federal government and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction should pay the promised grants to all participants to support startup businesses.
Also, they are demanding that the facilitating companies should balance up the transportation allowances as promised at the start of the program, and also provision of essential equipment such as Inverter and tools box should be provided to all 54 participants in the Solar Energy department as part of their starter pack, and other departments.
As regards the release of remaining tools, the Participants are demanding that the remaining tools and equipment at Digital Bridge Institute, Oshodi, Lagos Centre, including solar street light poles and panels, and solar water heaters, should be released and distributed to participants.
Israel stated that the action of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction is not accepted by the attendees of the program, and urged the Senate President and Speaker House of Representatives to investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served.
The Participants demand accountability and action to address the grievances outlined in their petition.
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