The planned distribution of empowerment funds under the PAWECA programme in Adamawa State has continued to generate mixed reactions, with several residents questioning the transparency and fairness of the selection process despite the initiative targeting more than 75,000 small business owners across the state.
Under the programme, each beneficiary is expected to receive N50,000, bringing the estimated value of the initiative to about N3.75 billion.
While the empowerment scheme has been promoted as a major grassroots support programme aimed at boosting small businesses and entrepreneurship, conversations on social media platform, Facebook, have been dominated by skepticism from residents who fear the process may favour politically connected individuals.
Reacting to the announcement, one resident wrote: “Until you have connections,” suggesting that access to such opportunities may depend more on political influence than merit or genuine need.
Another anonymous commenter expressed frustration, saying that “we no dey see any PAWECA, una just dey share am among yourselves,” alleging that previous empowerment opportunities were not transparently implemented.
Others also lamented repeatedly applying for similar government interventions in the past without being selected, fueling wider concerns about alleged favoritism in public programmes.
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Despite the criticism, some residents welcomed the initiative and expressed hope that this time deserving entrepreneurs, traders, and small business owners across Adamawa State would genuinely benefit from the programme.
The reactions come amid lingering public concerns over alleged irregularities in some recent state-related exercises, including controversies surrounding the Adamawa State Civil Service Commission recruitment process, which was later suspended for review following complaints from applicants and stakeholders.
As online debates continue to intensify, many citizens are now calling for transparency, accountability, and equal access in the implementation of the multi-billion naira empowerment initiative linked to the administration of Governor Ahmadu Fintiri.
