Business
Experts Fault FG’s N5,000 Stipend
Some academics have faulted the Federal Government’s poverty alleviation programme, saying, governments past and present, had failed to effectively curb poverty in the country despite numerous promises.
The academics who spoke at the weekend during the Mohammed Mustapha Charity Academy, in Ilorin, Kwara State, said stipends would not tackle abject poverty in Nigeria.
The Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin, Dr Kayode Adam, and a professor of law with the same university’.
Muhammed Akanbi, said inspite of the various poverty alleviation programmes of previous administration,” there is still mass poverty” in the land.
They stated that though former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Yar’adua and Goodluck Jonathan promised to reduce poverty through various programmes, there was greater hardship in the country.
The first female professor of Quantity Surveying in Africa, Prof. Olubola Babalola, who was also at the event stated that though the programmes of the past administrations were well initiated, their implementation was ineffective.
“Buhari’s administration should look inward and get to the grassroots with a view to identifying the really poor people”, she said.
According to her, there was need for proper interaction with the rural populace in order to ascertain their areas of need so that such needs would be properly addressed.
“It is not by giving them stipends, let us interact with them and know their problems and how we can assist them”, she said.
She reiterated that the rural people needed to be gainfully employed, adding that it should not be in the area of the much talked about white collar jobs, but jobs that they can do.
The dons further urged Buhari to ensure that his poverty alleviation and social security programmes benefit the masses.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
