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Tag: SURE-P

  • Niger SURE-P to spend N.5b

    The Niger State Committee on the Subsidy Re-investment Programme (SURE-P) will spend N500,000 million in three critical sectors.

    Chairman of SURE-P and Commissioner for Works and Infrastructural Development, Alhaji Bawa Rijau, addressed reporters yesterday in Minna, the state capital, after the State Executive Council (Exco) meeting.

    Rijau said the intervention would bring youths into the transformation and developmental programmes of the Babangida Aliyu administration.

    The areas of intervention will encompass youth development, transport, education, health and agriculture.

    The SURE-P chief said N58.8 million would be spent to build a ferry on River Niger in Rofia, Agwara Local Government Area, to aid transportation service between Niger and Kebbi states.

    When completed, the ferry will be managed by a private concern and its proceeds will be handed over to the state Transport Authority (NSTA).

     

    Rijau also said N56.5 million would be spent on the School of Midwifery, Minna, and the School of Health Technology, also in Minna.

    The commissioner explained that N110 million would be spent on the renovation of the Works Training School, Minna, and N26.3 million on upgrading the Vocational Training Centre, Minna.

    According to him, another N59.7 million will be spent on Justice Fati Abubakar College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies, Minna.

    Four state-owned farm institutes in Tegina, Bida, Kuta and Nasko would be upgraded with N175.8 million, Rijau added.

  • Over 3,000 benefit from SURE-P, says Wogu

    NO fewer than 3,000 people have benefited from the Community Services Women and Youth Employment (CSWYE) Programme, a project of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment programme (SURE-P), the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, has said.

    He spoke in Kaduna when he visited the state Governor Mukhtar Yero and the Emir of Zauzau, Alhaji Sheu Idris.

    He said the beneficiaries include 2,200 males, 800 females, and 488 persons with disabilities.

    He said: “These beneficiaries have received their monthly stipends up to June 2013, to the tune of N119 million, which, added to the running cost remitted to the state implementation unit for the project, sums up to N159 million so far.

    ‘’In the Northwest, a total of 21,000 women, youths and persons with disabilities are benefitting from the project and a total of N929 million has been spent in the geo-political zone from on this project alone

    “The programme is a laudable social security intervention by the Federal Government, the first if its kind in the history of Nigeria. Kaduna is among the few states, who have received stipends up to June 2013.”

    Wogu said the project was designed with unique features that ensure direct impact on these members of the society, who form the majority of the poor, unskilled and unemployed Nigerians, by transferring parts of the wealth saved from the partial removal of oil subsidy directly to them seamlessly, thereby empowering them economically.

    He said the ministry was ready to explore areas of possible partnerships between the Federal, state and local government.

    He also said: ”Another purpose for this visit is to explore areas of possible partnerships between the Federal, State and Local Governments on the Community Services, Women and Youths Employment CSWYE, SURE-P project in tackling the hydra-headed problems of unemployment.

    “Their potentials could be harnessed in other areas of development within the state like skills-for-jobs in marketable areas, preferably related to the type of services they were engaged in during their participation in this project. Our technical team, under the Kaduna State and other Northwest states in the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) would be available to work with your team on any of these suggested areas for collaboration on this laudable project.”

    Responding, Governor Yero said the state was much aware of the Federal Government’s efforts at creating jobs and reducing the poverty through the programme.

    He said: “There is the need for the Federal Government, states and local governments to have a kind of synergy so that there will be a programme in such a way that it would transform the life of the people at the same time.

    “It is going to be very important even if it is one aspect that we would sit down and agree. And I would like to advise that we look at the issue of empowerment very seriously.

    “We have initial challenge when some people complained that they have been working but not paid. We report to the state co-ordinators and I am happy the money was paid. I am happy to hear today that in Kaduna State, all the beneficiaries have been paid till June. We, in Kaduna State, are able to key into the programme on time, as the minister has attested to it. When the issue came up, the coordinator for Kaduna State and the three zonal coordinators in the state met to know the activities of the SURE-P.

    “But one thing that is very critical is sustainability because once it is sustained and there is prompt payment, people will be encouraged to continue doing what they are surposed to do. It will also help in creating opportunity that people have what they are doing and will not be involved in something that will create crisis. But if it is not sustained, there is going to be serious problem. We must, therefore, face the issue of sustainability and focus it, so that through SURE-P projects, the people trained will be able to sustain themselves and the programme will be sustained.’’

    On empowerment, he said the government needs to train some people before they can be given incentives and to start their business with.

    The Emir of Zauzau , Alhaji Sheu Idris, said in a civilised society, it is only dialogue that will promote unity and understanding to encourage unity. He commended the minister for taking such step.

    He said: ”In our own side here, I want to reaffirm to our honourable minister that we are doing everything possible to enlighten our people. After the deliberation, we will online to enlighten our people, especially people from rural areas who are always having a lot of hopes. My only appeal to all of you that you don’t hesitate in your efforts to continue doing what you are doing. I know it is not easy, sometimes you will be criticised, but it doesn’t matter, you have to continue in that way.

    “Whatever we do, we must have consideration to promote unit throughout the nation, and dedication to duties is most important. We do hope that you find the best way to encourage dedication to duties, that is through giving due promotion to the right people, giving the right thing to the right people at the right time. If that is done, I am sure you will find the job much easier.’’

     

  • Yobe SURE-P empowers over 2,000 women

    The Yobe State Government, through its Subsidy Reinvestment Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), yesterday distributed materials and cash to support women and vulnerable groups in the state.

    The beneficiaries included widows, the disabled and orphans.

    Governor Ibrahim Gaidam said the action was a deliberate policy of his administration to teach his “people how to fish rather than depending on fish handout”.

    The governor said N98.8 million was spent on the programme, adding that the beneficiaries would pay 50 per cent as the cost of item sgiven to them.

    But the windows and disable were given the items free.

    Gaidam noted that empowering women in the family is more important because women quickly transform the economic status of the family.

    The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Asmau Kabir Kollo, explained that 2,710 women would get 500 sewing machines, 200 knitting machines, 500 local spaghetti making machines, 100 mini-grinding machines, 50 deep freezers, 50 sets of bead making materials under category.

    She said N100,000 would be given as loan to some women for poultry farming and Ruminant breeding.

    Also, the government has lunched the sales of grains at a subsidized rate of N1,500 from the market price of N8,000.

  • SURE-P: ACN chieftain berates PDP for hijacking scheme

    A chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Mr. Ojie Ogwu, yesterday berated the Delta State Government for allegedly hijacking the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme(SURE-P) in the state.

    He spoke at Aboh, the headquarters of Ndokwa East Local Government.

    Ogwu, who said that the SURE-P programme is a people-oriented programme and not just for PDP, expressed shock that the transition committee chairman of the council has hijacked the programme meant for the entire state.

    Condemning the act, Ogwu stated the scheme has no party colouration and should be evenly shared for all and sundry irrespective of party affiliations.

    He said: “The money was not brought for PDP to empower few people or individuals for the purpose of election or to bribe some persons but the SURE-P is a programme for those that are buying fuel, traders and farmers in the area but they are not getting it.”

    He went on: “The SURE-P is not a PDP affair but for all the people who are suffering from this subsidy removal.

    “They should ensure it spreads around the people instead of giving this money to a few people in the name of party and should not be tied to PDP because they are in power.”

     

  • Niger Assembly summons SURE-P chief

    After over a year of the introduction of the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P), the Niger State House of Assembly has summon its Director-General, Malam Hassan Nuhu, to appear before it for non-implementation of the programme in the state.

    The directive came on the heels of a motion on matter of urgent public importance by Shehu Pawa, representing Kontagora I.

    The lawmaker complained that the directorate, which is saddled with the implementation of SURE-P in the state, had failed to deliver on its mandate.

    Pawa noted that despite the budgetary allocation for the programme, the directorate had not been doing anything.

    He argued that the programme, which was set up to cushion the effect of the partial removal of fuel subsidy and using the proceeds for job creation among the unemployed youths and to meet other infrastructural and social deficiencies, had not taken off in Niger State.

    Pawa wondered why the directorate, which is the brainchild of the state government and headed by the DG, has not had any laudable programme for the teeming youths in the state.

    He said the SURE-P chief be summoned to explain the inactivity of the directorate in the state.

  • Fed Govt queries states, councils over SURE-P funds

    The Federal Government has challenged states and local governments to show what they have done with their share from the Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) funds.

    Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, who spoke in Abuja, noted that the only report in the public on the usage of the SURE-P fund was that of the Federal Government, adding that nothing had been heard on how the other two tiers of government had spent theirs.

    Chukwu stressed that the issue of health is not primarily for the Federal Government alone, but for all.

    The minister, who debunked the report that most Nigerians go abroad for medical treatment, claimed that only five per cent still travel abroad for treatment.

    He said the majority of Nigerians were treated in the country.

    Prof. Chukwu said the ministry is working on a memo that will stop government officials from using public funds for treatment abroad.

    He added that the ministry, as a prelude to the memo going to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to seek approval, has compiled lists of hospitals in the country that could handle certain cases.

    The minister passed a vote of confidence in Nigerian doctors, saying he trusts them more than other doctors.

    He said the health sector has being carrying out some revolutions.

    The minister, who agreed that there were some areas where the country was still lacking, however, said there had been some improvements.

     

  • Former minister Kontagora dies

    Former minister Kontagora dies

    …Jonathan mourns former minister

    The former Minister of Works and Housing during the Ibrahim Babangida’s regime, Maj-Gen. Mamman Kontagora (rtd), is dead.

    Kontagora died at the National Hospital, Abuja, on Thursday.

    He was 69 years.

    The deceased was born on April 20, 1944 in Kontagora, Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State.

    He was also the deputy chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, a body established by the Federal Government to manage the nation’s subsidy funds.

    Before his appointment into the SURE-P, Kontagora was the Administrator of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He was appointed into that position on August 22, 1998.

    He was a Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate in the 2003 National Assembly election, but was defeated in the primaries by Isa Maina, who was eventually elected into the Senate.

    He also vied for the 2007 presidential election under PDP, but lost out to late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua during the party’s primaries.

    Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed sadness over the news of Kontagora’s death.

    A statement signed by his media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, said President Jonathan extended his sincere condolences to the late General’s family, the Kontagora Emirate Council, Governor Babangida Aliyu and all the people of Niger State.

    The statement reads:

    “President Goodluck Jonathan has received with shock and immense sadness news of the death of the Deputy Chairman of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), Major-General Mamman Tsoho Kontagora (rtd.)

    “On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and all Nigerians, President Jonathan extends sincere condolences to the late General’s family, the Kontagora Emirate Council, Governor Babangida Aliyu and all the people of Niger State.

    “The President joins them in mourning the illustrious and indefatigable former Minister of Works and the Federal Capital Territory who, even in retirement, continued to serve his fatherland with zeal, vigour and enthusiasm whenever he was called upon to do so.

    “President Jonathan believes that the nation would always honour the memory of the late Army Engineer for having served Nigeria with commendable patriotism and distinction during an excellent career in the Armed Forces and in various other capacities in the public service including Federal Minister, Sole Administrator of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Development of National Stadia for the World Youth Soccer Championship in 1995.

    “He prays that God Almighty would grant General Kontagora’s soul eternal rest.”

    According to the statement, a delegation led by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed would represent President Jonathan at the former minister’s interment.

    The delegation would also include the Minister of State for Power, Mrs. Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi and the Chairman of Sure-P, Dr. Christopher Kolade.

     

     

  • Taraba SURE-P lifts 6,000 youths

    Taraba SURE-P lifts 6,000 youths

    Provides computer training

    Distributes 1,900 tricycles, bicycles

    About 6, 000 unemployed youths between the ages of 18 and 35 years are to be employed by the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, (SURE-P) in Taraba State. The flag-off ceremony of the programme was held at the Jolly Nyame Sports Complex, Jalingo, the state capital.

    SURE-P is a Federal Government’s multi-sector initiative designed to tackle youth unemployment and alleviate poverty through the provision of social services and improvement of infrastructural facilities in the country.

    Taraba State Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar said at the event that the adoption of SURE-P was the beginning of a systematic process that will move the state forward; in fulfilment of the collective quest for transformation.

    He said: “In Taraba State, we have not only embraced the set objectives of SURE-P but have also gone ahead to include our (own) home-grown solutions to make the programme more effective.”

    Umar added that the initiative was in line with the state government’s desire to create thousands of jobs every year, even as he encouraged the private sector to do same through increased investment in the state.

    The implementation of SURE-P in Taraba, according to Umar, is in two phases. The first phase, he said, comprises training the youth in computer applications and fish production (how to raise fingerlings).

    According to the Commissioner for Social Welfare, Youth and Sports, Alhaji Abdulhadi Haruna Lau, 600 youths would be trained in computer applications by the Muslim Council and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    Another 600 youths shall receive training in production of fingerlings.

    Lau further said there are about 1,700 skill acquisition opportunities for unemployed youths.

    The training, he said, will be carried out by a consultancy firm, Global Heritage and Consultancy Services Limited in collaboration with the Taraba State Polytechnics, Jalingo. The beneficiaries would be issued with certificates at the end of the training.

    In the second phase, he stated, there would be distribution of motorcycles and tricycles to youths to enable them to be financially self-reliant while, at the same time, providing efficient public transportation to the public. He added that the tricycles and motorcycles would be “highly subsidised” by the state government.

    Lau also said that about 1,500 motorcycles and 400 tricycles would be distributed.

    The tricycles and motorcycles will be leased to 1,900 recipients who will operate them for about one year within which they would repay only 40 per cent of the cost to government. After that, he added, the operators would take ownership of the tricycles and motorcycles.

    The acting governor warned the beneficiaries not to sell or transfer ownership of the motorcycles or tricycles to any other person until repayment is completed. “The motorcycles and tricycles are to be used only in the local government areas where they were allocated. No motorcycle is to be operated in Jalingo the state capital,” he said.

    Governor Danbaba Suntai had, two years ago, banned motorcycle operators from operating in Jalingo metropolis as a result of security challenges in the state. The ban became necessary based on allegations that motorcycles were commonly used by terrorists and criminals to unleash mayhem on residents and security operatives, particularly the police.

    Umar said the programme, which is targeted at the youth “is borne out of the need to arrest the negative trend of youths’ involvement in social vices, violent crimes and conflicts.

    “Also through the SURE-P, 1,200 youths are receiving training as ‘Taraba Marshals.” Upon completion of training, the state would engage them as security agents, environmentalists and traffic marshals.

    The acting governor had, before the flag-off of programme, inaugurated the distribution committee, with a ‘desk officer’ for each of the 16 local government areas; including Yangtu Development Area.

    Another team was put in place by Umar to monitor and evaluate the progress of the programme in the three senatorial districts of the state.

    “With these preparations, SURE-P will successfully be implemented in Taraba State,” Lau said.

  • Taraba SURE-P lifts 6,000 youths

    Taraba SURE-P lifts 6,000 youths

    Provides computer training

    Distributes 1,900 tricycles, bicycles

    About 6, 000 unemployed youths between the ages of 18 and 35 years are to be employed by the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, (SURE-P) in Taraba State. The flag-off ceremony of the programme was held at the Jolly Nyame Sports Complex, Jalingo, the state capital.

    SURE-P is a Federal Government’s multi-sector initiative designed to tackle youth unemployment and alleviate poverty through the provision of social services and improvement of infrastructural facilities in the country.

    Taraba State Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar said at the event that the adoption of SURE-P was the beginning of a systematic process that will move the state forward; in fulfilment of the collective quest for transformation.

    He said: “In Taraba State, we have not only embraced the set objectives of SURE-P but have also gone ahead to include our (own) home-grown solutions to make the programme more effective.”

    Umar added that the initiative was in line with the state government’s desire to create thousands of jobs every year, even as he encouraged the private sector to do same through increased investment in the state.

    The implementation of SURE-P in Taraba, according to Umar, is in two phases. The first phase, he said, comprises training the youth in computer applications and fish production (how to raise fingerlings).

    According to the Commissioner for Social Welfare, Youth and Sports, Alhaji Abdulhadi Haruna Lau, 600 youths would be trained in computer applications by the Muslim Council and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    Another 600 youths shall receive training in production of fingerlings.

    Lau further said there are about 1,700 skill acquisition opportunities for unemployed youths.

    The training, he said, will be carried out by a consultancy firm, Global Heritage and Consultancy Services Limited in collaboration with the Taraba State Polytechnics, Jalingo. The beneficiaries would be issued with certificates at the end of the training.

    In the second phase, he stated, there would be distribution of motorcycles and tricycles to youths to enable them to be financially self-reliant while, at the same time, providing efficient public transportation to the public. He added that the tricycles and motorcycles would be “highly subsidised” by the state government.

    Lau also said that about 1,500 motorcycles and 400 tricycles would be distributed.

    The tricycles and motorcycles will be leased to 1,900 recipients who will operate them for about one year within which they would repay only 40 per cent of the cost to government. After that, he added, the operators would take ownership of the tricycles and motorcycles.

    The acting governor warned the beneficiaries not to sell or transfer ownership of the motorcycles or tricycles to any other person until repayment is completed. “The motorcycles and tricycles are to be used only in the local government areas where they were allocated. No motorcycle is to be operated in Jalingo the state capital,” he said.

    Governor Danbaba Suntai had, two years ago, banned motorcycle operators from operating in Jalingo metropolis as a result of security challenges in the state. The ban became necessary based on allegations that motorcycles were commonly used by terrorists and criminals to unleash mayhem on residents and security operatives, particularly the police.

    Umar said the programme, which is targeted at the youth “is borne out of the need to arrest the negative trend of youths’ involvement in social vices, violent crimes and conflicts.

    “Also through the SURE-P, 1,200 youths are receiving training as ‘Taraba Marshals.” Upon completion of training, the state would engage them as security agents, environmentalists and traffic marshals.

    The acting governor had, before the flag-off of programme, inaugurated the distribution committee, with a ‘desk officer’ for each of the 16 local government areas; including Yangtu Development Area.

    Another team was put in place by Umar to monitor and evaluate the progress of the programme in the three senatorial districts of the state.

    “With these preparations, SURE-P will successfully be implemented in Taraba State,” Lau said.

  • One year of SURE-P: So far, so…

    One year down the line, the much-hyped Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P), a national safety net put in place by the federal government ostensibly to douse the tension caused by the fuel subsidy is still on. Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf in this report attempts a performance scorecard of the programme

     

    Over 12 months after the Federal Government decided to set up a national safety net tagged: ‘The Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme’, otherwise known as SURE-P, doubts still persist as to how much has been achieved.

    Among other things, the mandate given to the Chairman of the SURE-P Board, Dr. Christopher Kolade, along with members of his team was to either initiate or carry out the execution and completion of existing projects, with emphasis on works, roads, rail, mass transit, maternal and child healthcare delivery.

    While presenting a scorecard of its achievements in the last one year to President Goodluck Jonathan recently, the chairman of the board reeled out what in his own reckoning could pass for modest achievements.

    An elated Dr. Kolade had said that over N70billion was spent by the SURE-P within six months in 2012 just as he said the board executed projects specified by the programme’s mandate in sectors such as works, roads, rail, mass transit, maternal and child healthcare.

    Kolade, a former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, said the committee was able to record modest achievements within six months and taking a retrospective look, his final verdict was that the scheme had carried out its functions satisfactorily.

    Milestones recorded under SURE-P

    In a document obtained by The Nation at the Ministry of Works, officials gave graphic details of the extent of work that has been executed in the last six months.

    The Loko-Oweto Bridge, located across River Benue linking Nasarawa State to Benue, when completed, is expected to increase commercial activities in that part of the country as it will provide a short link, and therefore reduce travel times between the northern and southern parts of the country. The about 1,970m long bridge is being constructed by Reynolds Construction Company Nigeria Limited. The project duration is four years but the Federal Ministry of Works plans to fast track the project so that it can be completed in three years with enhanced funding from the SURE-P programme.

    Besides, another sector that has benefited from the SURE-P largesse is the railways. Confirming this development, the Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Adeseyi Sijuade, said the fortunes of the corporation has changed for the better, thanks to the financial lifeline it got from the SURE-P. “We now have a safe and functional railway.”

    Although it could not be ascertained as at press time the level of support SURE-P has given to healthcare delivery, Mrs. Bisi Tugbobo, State Team Leader, Partnership for Transforming Health Systems II (PATHS2), a DFID-funded project being implemented in selected states of the federation, said she was aware that officials of the SURE-P programme were looking at collaborating with her organisation on how best to deliver healthcare in Lagos State.

    Discordant tunes

    Although the federal government remains quite upbeat about the immense potential of the scheme to deliver the goods, for dyed-in-the wool critics, the SURE-P scheme, may not have achieved anything concrete in the last one year despite the razzmatazz which heralded its establishment by the federal government.

    To these critics, the whole idea of the scheme is not just a sham but another contraption set up by the federal government to settle its hangers-on one way or the other, especially as a form of reward for their political patronage.

    According to a commentator, “Rather than offer an apologia for what seems in the eyes of discerning Nigerians for failure to deliver on promises and targets, these government spin-doctors are adding salt to our injury by lying shamefacedly.”

    In many states, the implementation of the programme has posed some challenges. Even states, where the opposition parties formed the executive and controlled the legislature, the members of the ruling party have been at loggerheads over the allocation of projects that are funded by funds accruing from the scheme.

    Confirming this development, Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, told The Nation recently: “Nothing was given to Lagos State. We didn’t receive a single vehicle. And we didn’t know who to make requisition to. And to the best of my knowledge, I’m not aware of any state getting anything. But frankly, we didn’t get anything from the subsidy relief programme.”

    His counterpart in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Jide Idris, also said he was not aware of any support to his sector. “As far as I know, I’m not aware of any support from that end to the Lagos State Ministry of Health, not at all.”

    Echoing similar sentiments, Chief Olabode Afolayan, National President, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), while acknowledging that the SURE-P had a component for housing in 2012, however, regretted that no structure was put in place to actualise same.

    According to him, “Unfortunately, we have not been able to access any funds from the SURE-P. It was not available for us to access because some of these things from government you need to come up with a template so that we all understand before you start allocating funds. You don’t just say this is N1billion for houses; you have to first ensure the availability of land on which you want to build.”

    Challenges before SURE-P

    One of the major problems besetting the scheme is that of credibility. The management of the scheme have also at one time or the other ran into trouble with members of the National Assembly over the activities of the programme. For instance, members of the House of Representatives not long ago took on the chairman of the programme, Dr Kolade, and three ministers following their presentations on the achievements of SURE-P. There were claims and counter-claims that the agency was duplicating the projects of ministries, departments and other agencies of the federal government. Another allegation was that the agency squandered scare resources on other areas other than those in critical needs.

    One thing that is clear is that the scheme is not as sure as its name implies.