Esther Okoi|2 November 2018
CALABAR —As part of modalities to make the Cross River State Youth Employment and Social Support (YESSO) Programme visible and efficient, reflective jackets and work tools have been distributed to Public Workfare (PWF) beneficiaries of Calabar Municipality and South Local Government Areas.
Addressing the beneficiaries at the premises of the State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Comrade Asu Okang informed that the State Governor, (Sen.) Prof. Ben Ayade has released money embloc that is enough to pay their stipends for one year, explaining that their payments are being delayed because of the approval process of the Governor and the rigours of moving the funds from the domiciliary account at Zenith Bank to the stipends account at First City Monument Bank.
The number one youth in the State however reassured them that all the stipends owed them would be paid as no one can play fraud with their money and the entire process. He also implored them to be patient with the entire process and that their stipends would become regular once the entire process is stabilised. He reiterated the need for the beneficiaries to be dutiful and cooperativeas the programme has been made for able enough to accommodate all of their peculiarities.
Comrade Okang who charged the beneficiaries to be diligent in their respective public works assigned to them in their various communities intimated them of the Skill For Job (S4J) component of YESSO that would absorb unemployed youth from poor and vulnerable households who will identify areas of interest that they want to be trained on while the State Government will provide them starter packs at the end of their training and little stipends during the training. He also assured them that his office and the PWF Unit is always open and available to entertain complaints and grievances that they may have in the course of the project.
Speaking after the presentation, one of the beneficiaries from Nyom Idibi Community, Calabar Municipality, Okon Eyo Edet appreciated World Bank and the Cross River State Government for their efforts at engaging unemployed youth from poor and vulnerable households and for giving them an opportunity to improve themselves. He however lamented the non payment of stipends describing it as discouraging since they have the zeal to work.
Also speaking, another beneficiary from Ene Ndem Community, Calabar South LGA, Christiana Nsa expressed dissatisfaction at the delay of stipends payment, stating that it is far from what was stated during their orientation. She however expressed hope that the assurances of the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development would be worthwhile
