From Okwe Obi, Abuja
National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, has vowed to tackle the myriads of unwholesome practices bedeviling the empowerment scheme.
Shehu, who stated this after assuming office, yesterday in Abuja, noted that poverty as emboldens criminality, which this administration would strive to address.
She said: “As we all know, the programmes have witnessed so many criticisms in the country for lack of transparency, accountability, free and fair selection of beneficiaries, realistic data base and publicity amongst others.
“We hope to do better in this aspect especially now that the programmes are governed by an act which is a legal framework that clearly states the function of the Agency, the CEO &Stake holders.
“Again I will say I am certain that Mr President has recognized our leadership qualities and that’s why he has assigned us such a huge task upon us therefore we have to be focused, committed, dedicated and passionate in carrying out this sensitive assignment of poverty alleviation which is one of the biggest promise In his Renewed Hope mandate.
“But this cannot be achieved without a great team and collaboration from all stakeholders both home and abroad which includes National/International Development partners amongst others.
“My working experience in this ministry in the last 4 years has availed me the opportunity to interface with the needy across the country and I have personally witnessed life- changing situations on this programmes to the beneficiaries.
“We have taken a lot of risk in carrying out this Humanitarian services sometimes when we get to Riverine areas we get into a boat or a helicopter to get to this beneficiaries.
“So I know exactly the scope of work at NSIPA and the huge task ahead of us to be accomplished in limited timeline.”