Some beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s Extended Special Public Works programme, also known as “774,000 jobs’’ say they have used their N20,000 monthly stipends to boost their businesses.
Those who spoke in Kaduna State on Monday believed they used the stipends judiciously.
Margaret Anthony, a businesswoman who sells snacks and beverages, said she had bought more goods with the stipends and her business was doing well.
“As you can see, with the help of this programme, my business is growing. I now have my personal kiosk where I display my goods for passers-by to buy.
“We hope that the Federal Government will introduce more empowerment programmes for women and youths,’’ she said.
Similarly, Miss Anthonia Agu who also sells snacks and beverages said the 774,000 jobs had helped to boost her business.
She said her sales had increased from two crates of soft drinks per day to four crates as she now stocks more drinks.
She added that before she benefitted from the programme, she used to sell only biscuits, but have now added meat pie, buns and egg rolls among others.
Miss Agu prayed that God would guide the government to continue to help the poor through more empowerment programmes.
On his part, Muhammad Inuwa, who sells live chicken and chicken feeds, commended the Federal Government for the programme which he said had increased his business capital.
“Before the programme, I used to sell three bags of chicken feed in three days, but I now sell 10 bags of chicken feed during the same period.
“I now sell 20 chickens or more in three days as against five to seven chickens before.
“The programme has helped the poor a lot. We are appealing to the government to execute more empowerment programmes that will reduce poverty in the society,’’ he said.
Another beneficiary, Sulaiman Usman, a tailor said he had the N20,000 monthly stipend to buy clothing materials, sew and sell in neighbouring towns and villages.
