- Tinubu plans unemployment benefits scheme for Nigerian youths
- Subsidy removal saved over $10bn, Deputy Speaker says
- N1bn SME support announced for 2,000 Abia businesses
- Food items, cash shared with churches and APC groups
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is preparing to launch an unemployment benefits scheme targeted at cushioning the impact of joblessness on Nigerian youths, according to Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
Kalu disclosed this during a town hall meeting organised by the Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, where he also announced a ₦1 billion support package for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs across the state).
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He explained that the proposed unemployment benefits scheme forms part of the Tinubu administration’s broader social protection programmes designed to ease economic hardship and strengthen citizens’ welfare.
“My people, there are several programmes in the pipeline, including the unemployment benefits scheme soon to be launched by Mr. President to cater for our unemployed youth,” Kalu said.
He urged residents to continue backing the administration, stressing that government efforts were already yielding results.
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“Your legislature is working. Your President is working. And your Deputy Speaker, from Bende to Abuja, is working tirelessly, accountable to you,” he added.
At the event, Kalu distributed trailer loads of rice, food items, and ₦100 million in cash to churches, APC structures, and support groups, describing the gesture as part of efforts to strengthen party structures and support vulnerable communities.
He recalled that about six months earlier, ₦500 million was disbursed through Renewed Hope Partners to assist businesses in Abia, noting that the new ₦1 billion SME intervention would cover all 17 local government areas of the state.
According to him, each selected business would receive about ₦500,000, with plans to partner financial institutions such as the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, SMEDAN, and CREDICORP, which are expected to match the funds.
“We are going to support 2,000 businesses with ₦1 billion across Abia State. Each business will get about ₦500,000 to start with,” Kalu said.
He also commended President Tinubu’s economic reforms, noting that fuel subsidy removal in 2023 saved Nigeria over $10 billion, funds now being redirected to development and social programmes.
Kalu urged Nigerians to remain patient, assuring that the administration’s reforms would translate into long-term economic stability and improved welfare.
