HOW I OVERCAME: Empowerment Scheme Changed My Story – Fawa

Even though politically motivated, many Nigerians battling unemployment and poverty are gradually finding means of livelihood through various interventions by politicians and “emergency philanthropists”.

The emergency philanthropists are those who want to worm their way into their constituents’ hearts ahead of the 2027 general elections. Others are the regular politicians seeking re-election and have resorted to empowerment schemes to secure return tickets.

Whichever way, the small interventions are making the difference between idleness and productivity. A beneficiary of one such empowerment programme in Bauchi State, said the distribution of motorcycles and cash by a lawmaker has changed his life.

The beneficiary, Alhaji Baba Fawa, who spoke on behalf of others, said the motorcycle gift has given him an opportunity to earn a steady income in an economy where jobs are scarce and livelihoods uncertain.

Commercial motorcycle riding, popularly known as “Okada,” remains one of the most accessible means of income for thousands of unemployed Nigerians. With minimal entry requirements, it offers immediate financial relief. The additional N20,000 provided to each beneficiary further eases the burden of starting out, covering fuel and basic operational costs.

Another beneficiary, Munkaila Zakka, described the empowerment as a fulfilment of campaign promises—but beyond politics, his words reveal a deeper reality. For many like him, such support restores dignity and provides a pathway out of economic stagnation. What might appear as modest assistance becomes a critical tool for survival.

Across Nigeria, stories like these echo daily. Young men and even older citizens, unable to secure formal employment, turn to informal sectors—transportation, petty trading and artisan work—to stay afloat. In this context, empowerment programmes, when effectively implemented, serve as catalysts for self-reliance.

Yet, the broader picture remains sobering. The reliance on such interventions highlights systemic gaps in job creation and economic inclusion. While beneficiaries express gratitude and renewed hope, their testimonies underscore the urgent need for sustainable policies that address unemployment at scale.