THE federal government says the Newspaper Vendors Association of Nigeria would be enrolled in the N-Power Programme to help acquire fundamental skills acquisition and development.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige,  on Friday, said this when members of the Federal Secretariat branch of the Association, led by its chairman, Desmond Obiagwu, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

In a statement disclosed by the ministry of labour, Ngige expressed the government’s desire to encourage them in their efforts because they aid the government activities.

“You have helped this Ministry in Labour administration, as newspaper marketing is part of information dissemination.

“Through your activity, we get information on brewing labour unrest, and we are able to nip it in the bud through conciliatory meetings,” he said.

Ngige commended the vendors for being good citizens by choosing to earn a decent living through newspaper vending and shunning crime.

“The Chairman of the Federal Secretariat branch of the Newspaper Vendors Association of Nigeria, Desmond Obiagwu, congratulated the Minister on his re-appointment and wished him success in navigating the tough terrain of the Labour Ministry,” the statement read.

He expressed the association’s delight over his re-appointment, as he had forged a harmonious relationship with them during his previous tenure, and also pledged the continued support of the association to the Ministry.

The N-Power is a youth empowerment scheme sponsored by the Federal Government of Nigeria to addresses the challenge of youth unemployment by providing a structure for large-scale and relevant work skills acquisition and development.