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Buhari’s Minister, Sadiya Farouq Withholds Promised Loans To 500,000 Disengaged NPower Beneficiaries, Owes 14,000 Volunteers Five Months’ Stipends
14,000 beneficiaries of the scheme have also not been paid their stipends in the last five months.
According to a source who spoke to SaharaReporters on Wednesday, about 14,000 beneficiaries of the scheme have also not been paid their stipends in the last five months.
Nigerian Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq.
The Farouq-headed Humanitarian Affairs Ministry launched the project to lift 100million Nigerians out of poverty but the beneficiaries of batches A and B were disengaged in 2016 and 2017.
The Minister, however, opened another portal to roll out loans to those affected but she has kept mute on the issue since she inaugurated it in May 2020.
The progamme by the Ministry in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria was aimed at providing economic opportunities to volunteers, as it was stated early this year that, “A Portal that will enable Exited N-Power Beneficiaries to apply for Central Bank of Nigeria Empowerment Options has been launched by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management.”
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, one of the victims of the disengaged scheme lamented, “Npower Batch A and B who were engaged 2016 and 2017 respectively were disengaged since May 2020.
“While she launched another portal for exited Npower beneficiaries to apply for their exit package which the Federal government promised to give all the exited beneficiaries after serving for about three years.
“They are owing about 14,000 beneficiaries five months stipend but Sadiya Farouq keeps mute after making numerous promises without fulfillment while the 500,000 exited beneficiaries remained desperate for not getting loans promised while opening the portal.”
He stated further that detaching 500,000 youths from the scheme could be one of the reasons there is insecurity in the North, as jobless youths will resolve into criminalities to fend for themselves.
“Her mismanagement of the affairs with myopic thinking, abuse of the office she is heading and corruption that’s running in her veins has contributed towards the growing insecurity situation in the North.
“The disengagement of Npower batch A and B beneficiaries might be responsible for the security challenges we are battling now. We say no to her false promises.
“Why would the federal government used and dumped us? How would it dump 500,000 law-abiding youths? We worked for it and we deserved to be given an exit package if at all the federal government can’t employ us after they promised and later abandoned us.
“Afterall, we and our family members contributed much for the election that brought them, APC into power,” he said.
Confirming the situation to SaharaReporters on Wednesday, the National President of Exited NPower, Comrade Bashir Gobir said, “The Federal Government through Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has refused to fulfil this promise since June and July 2020 to date.
“I have received more than a hundred calls every day from the disengaged beneficiaries; the same thing on my WhatsApp. This is uncomfortable. Sadiya Faruq promised us loans but nothing has been heard about the issue. It’s over a year. It’s so sad this is coming from her office and the Nigerian government.”
Culled from the Sahara Reporters
Houston was thrown into mourning on September 19, 2025, following the sudden passing of businessman and community advocate Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie, who peacefully joined his ancestors. Immediate family member in Houston, Nick Anozie, confirmed his untimely death and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and condolences from both the Houston and Owerri communities.
Lawrence was born to Chief Alexander and Lolo Ether Anozie of Owerri in Imo State, Nigeria, and will be dearly remembered by family members, friends, and the entire Houston community.
An accomplished accountant, the late Lawrence incorporated and successfully managed three major companies: Universal Insurance Company, LLC, Universal Mortgage LLC, and Universal Financial Services. Through these enterprises, he not only built a thriving business career but also created opportunities for countless individuals to achieve financial stability. His contributions to entrepreneurship and community development will remain a lasting legacy.
According to the family, arrangements for his final funeral rites are in progress and will be announced in due course.
Lawrence will forever be remembered as a loving and compassionate man who dedicated much of his life to uplifting others. He helped countless young Nigerians and African Americans overcome economic challenges by providing mentorship, financial guidance, and career opportunities. His generosity touched the lives of many who otherwise might not have found their footing. A devout Catholic, he was unwavering in his faith and never missed Mass, drawing strength and inspiration from his church community. To those who knew him, Lawrence was not only a successful businessman but also a pillar of kindness, humility, and faith whose legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire generations.
For more information, please contact Nick Anozie – 832-891-2213
When it comes to international culinary gems and cultures across the United States, the city of Houston is counted among one of the best places to experience an authentic taste of every corner of the world.
On the evening of Friday, August 8th, Houstonians will have a chance to engage all of their senses into the world of real West African flavors at Grubido’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art Show, a free culinary and art experience taking place at Flatland Gallery (1709 Westheimer Rd.) in Montrose.
Curated by Grubido founder and Culinary Cultural Curator Kavachi Ukegbu, the annual celebration of west African cuisine and artistry will once again open its doors to patrons to witness the delights of creating and eating Fufu (a starchy, dough-like food that is a staple in many West and Central African countries), and its delicious and diverse pairings of soups and stews that originate from various parts of the continent, and uniquely compliment the beloved food staple as a complete meal. The event will also celebrate the observance of National Fufu Day in the United States on August 11th.
From the process of how different types of fufu are grown and manufactured, to the careful guidance on properly preparing the fufu to be eaten, the ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art showcase will give patrons a full circle perspective and appreciation for the food staple that has gained global popularity on social media and in many countries around the world.
Attendees will be treated to fufu and soup samples, live Afrobeats music, an impressive display of fufu inspired artwork and collectables from over the years, and the opportunity to purchase Grubido food products, t-shirts, and the official The Art of Fufu cookbook. Originally published and released by Chef Kavach in 2021, “The Art of Fufu is a fascinating and informative guide to fufu, one of the most delicious and beloved staple foods of West Africans.” All cookbook purchases at the event will be signed by Chef Kavachi.
Entry for this event is free to all guests, but RSVP is strictly required in advance. To RSVP for the upcoming Art of Fufu Food & Art show, please visit the official website online at www.TheArtofFufu.com, or contact Grubido at (832) 818-6847.
The Art of Fufu Cookbook is a culinary treasure that explores the flavors, techniques, and cultural significance of fufu. It is a testament to the artistry of West African cuisine and serves as a guide for those seeking to immerse themselves in this beloved dish.
For more information, please visit www.theartoffufu.com & www.artoffufu.com
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