ASABA – Beneficiaries of State Employment and Expenditure for Result (SEEFOR) programme in Delta, have appealed for an extension of the programme by one year.
SEEFOR is an intervention programme aimed at empowering the poor and unemployed, and is expected to last one year.
It is the programme of the World Bank and the European Union (EU), in partnership with the Delta state government.
But beneficiaries told NAN in Asaba on Sunday that they wanted the programme implemented for two years.
They lauded the initiative, saying that it had brought succour to them and their families.
A mother of two, Mrs Evelyn Okolie, said that since she was engaged by SEEFOR , her family had been stable.
“The little money I have been receiving is really helping me in feeding my two children, and at the same time sending them to school.
“When I got the offer, I thought it was a permanent employment that would last many years, but it was later explained to me that the programme would last for one year.
“I am appealing to the World Bank and the state government, to extend it to two years or more years. This will enable me set up a little business that can take care of me and my children,” she said.
A father of four, Mr George Odigwe, said right from the time he was engaged by SEEFOR, he had been a happy man who could feed his family.
“To some people, the money might be small, but to me, the money is much. Out of the N16, 000 I receive, I save N5, 000 every month.
“The money I save will enable me set up a workshop, where I can make extra income to take care of my family.
“I am grateful to SEEFOR for providing me with this job, but I am also appealing that the programme be extended by one year”, he pleaded..
Another beneficiary, Mrs Loveth Imor, said that the programme had given her another chance to live a meaningful life, expressing her gratitude to the initiators.
Over 1,700 persons have so far benefited from the programme since its inauguration in 2013.
Each participant is entitled to a monthly salary of N20, 000, with 80 per cent paid into the beneficiary’s salary account and 15 per cent paid into a compulsory saving account for the beneficiaries.
The other five per cent is meant for the vocational training of the beneficiaries. (NAN)
