For starters, N-power is a scheme initiated by the Buhari-led administration in 2016 to address the twin problems of unemployment and poverty in the country.
It is a programme mainly for unemployed and poor youths domiciled under the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP).
N-power has successfully taken two batches since commencement of operations — Batches A and B — who have exited the programme to allow a new set, Batch C.
On June 26, the scheme opened its portal for applications from candidates, and closed it on August 9 following the extension of the deadline from the initial July 26.
According to official sources, the applications received were over 5 million across the country.
CLAIM: There is a terse statement being circulated on WhatsApp and other social media platforms that the N-power has shortlisted candidates for Batch C, 2020.
The information also carried a link that directs one to a site that resembles the official site of the N-power.
Also, the link requires one to input one’s details (email address and password) before verification.
FINDINGS: The Ravens Fact Check launches an investigation to ascertain the veracity of this information, and presents its findings below.
The Ravens Fact Check finds out that the N-power has not shortlisted candidates for Batch C, 2020 programme.
The information is not available on any of the N-power social media handles and that of the overseeing ministry, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development headed by Hajiah Sadiya Umar-Faruq.
Neither was the update reported on any mainstream media — print, broadcast and online.
The Ravens Fact Check also finds out that the information has since been debunked on the official Twitter handle of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
The handle warns netizens to disregard the information and help in sharing its dismissal of what it called “fraudulent messages”.
VERDICT: The information that N-power has shortlisted candidates for Batch C, 2020 programme is fake, fraudulent and false.
The Ravens Fact Check warns applicants to be circumspect as scammers are now scattered all over the country waiting to reap from where they didn’t sow.
Applicants should always check the official Twitter handles of both the N-power and Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to cross-check messages of this nature.
Our medium will also try and disseminate the information when candidates are truly shortlisted.
