Some Nigerian youths have berated the Federal Government for not living up to its promise of engaging 200,000 unemployed graduates under the N-power jobs programme before the end of October.
Recall that the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, had in an interview session with journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on October 11, said, “We expect that before the end of the month (October), we will engage 200,000 out of the 500,000 unemployed graduates; the Buhari administration plans to hire in the N-Power jobs programme.
“We expect that before the end of this month, we should have engaged 200,000 of them and we are hoping that before the end of the year, we should have engaged more.
He explained that it was in fulfillment of campaign promises made by the present administration.
But some Nigerians already think it may be a “failed promise”, as they reminded the government that action should speak louder than voice.
Speaking in a vox pop conducted on both unemployed and employed Nigerians by DAILY POST in Abuja, they noted that October ended yesterday yet no news of the promised jobs.
A banker, Chubuike Nelson, said “It’s alarming. Why is the Nigerian government fond of just talking, talking, talking?
“Go on the streets now, you will see people suffering. They said ‘200,000 out of the 500,000 unemployed graduates will be hired for the N-Power jobs programme before or by end of October.
“What happened? October ended yesterday, still nothing. That’s duping people’s minds and its not fair.”
An applicant for the promised job, who pleaded anonymity, said, “This Buhari-led government is a shame and disgrace to Nigeria.
“Why promise what you can’t keep?
“Why raise the hopes of jobless Nigerians who are suffering and trying to make ends meet?
“Why say what you don’t mean, can’t or won’t do?
“It’s unfortunate because the recession only affects the common man.”
An applicant, Job Udeh said, “If only they knew what I go through every day to put food on my table, they would not just make empty promises.
“My sister, leave matter for Matthias.”
A female marketer, Josephine Animashaun said, “I’m a graduate with a 2’1 degree in Accounting.
“See, I have tried. When I heard the news, I fasted and prayed that I will be a beneficiary but my dear, is it that October has not ended or was that statement by the VP a joke?
“That’s all I can say now, even prostitution does not pay these days.
“Buhari and his cohorts are only playing on people’s intelligence. It is easier to make promises during campaign; when you get to the seat of power nko?
“Shame on them,” Josephine rained.
