Empowerment schemes’ failure, Rep blame beneficiaries

A member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Dolapo Badru, has blamed some beneficiaries of empowerment schemes for the lack of impact of such programmes.

He noted that the huge millions of naira spent annually by governors and lawmakers in the country to empower their citizens have failed to address the high unemployment rate in the country.

Badru disclosed this while addressing members of his constituency and beneficiaries at his mini-empowerment initiative in Lagos Island.

He said he uncovered acts of sabotage by scheme beneficiaries during his investigation into why efforts by lawmakers and other political office holders have failed to have a big impact on the people who voted them into office.

His words: “From my investigations, I discovered that many of the beneficiaries often sell the the items handed over to them by the lawmakers. They often sell them at give away prices. And these items were handed over to them to make them employers of labour which will further reduce the rate of unemployment in the country.”

‎Badru, a former special adviser on youth and social development in Lagos, explained “If they sell it, the money they will realise from it will not be commensurate with the purchasing price of the item.

“But if they utilise it, the fund they will realise will triple the money they will be offered for reselling the item. So, it is better to get the fund daily,” he added.

On what informed the initiative the lawmakers explained “the reason for the initiative was the promise I made to my constituency before the election. I said that once or twice yearly, I will organiseprogramme to alleviate poverty in the society.

“By doing this, some of them will have the opportunity to get money to cater for their needs. I promised to do more for my electorate and I can assured you that I will ensure that I achieve it.”