As part of the efforts of his administration to cushion the effects of the hardships brought about by the removal of fuel subsidy, Governor Abdullahi Sule has kept his promise to reach out to students of tertiary institutions across the state.
Governor Sule kickstsrted the distribution of two 7.5kg bags of rice alongside five thousand naira to each beneficiary at the Federal University of Lafia, on Tuesday.
The Governor informed the students that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is quite aware of the challenges being experienced by Nigerians and that the president is doing everything possible to cushion the effects of these hardships.
He explained Governors like him are also doing their best to support the president by alleviating the plight of the people.
“As his lieutenants, we are also doing everything possible to do that. I have just gone through the 13 local government areas of Nasarawa State and distributed rice and other items, including money all over the state,” he said.
Governor Sule said the idea to also reach out to students came to fore when he discovered that most of the students were not captured as beneficiaries in the statewide distribution of palliative.
He said it became imperative for the state government to reach out to the students because they are also experiencing the prevailing hardships.
He restated the decision of his administration to also offset the registration fees for all indigenes of the states in their final year in secondary school preparatory to writing the 2024 Natinal Examinations Council (NECO), estimated at over N400m.
“I want you to join me in praying for our Mr. President because he means well for Nigeria. He is doing the best he can for Nigeria. Everybody living, working, or going to school in Nasarawa State is our responsibility. That is why we didn’t limit those benefitting to only indigenes of Nasarawa State,” he said.
As with the previous exercises, the Governor announced that every shortlisted beneficiary will also take home a cash gift of five thousand naira.
In his welcome address, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia, Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, appreciated Governor Sule for his continous support to the university.
“I would like to use this opportunity to also appreciate the Governor for all he has done for us in the past, particularly during our convocation. He has taken a lot of burden off us. Making accommodation available for our Chancellor and also the arrangement he made for the vocational and technical training for our first class candidates. That process is ongoing. We want to thank you for this gesture. Again, our students hostel that has not been completed, the Governor has agreed to complete it,” he stated.
Professor Abdul Rahman said the distribution of rice and cash gift to the students as palliative will bring tremendous relief to the students especially at such a time when the country is experiencing economic challenges.
On her part, State Commissioner for Special Duties on Humanitarian Affairs and NGOs, Hon. Magret Elayo, said students could not be isolated from experiencing the prevailing hardships brought about by the removal of fuel subsidy.
Hon. Elayo appreciated Governor Sule for coming to the rescue of students who she described as the heartbeat of change and progress.
According to the Commissioner, investing in the wellbeing of students today, is an investment for a brighter future.
“We must ensure that our leaders of tomorrow are nurtured and empowered to reach their full potential unhindered by hunger or want. In addition, by providing immediate relief, let us also use this opportunity to encourage our students to broaden their horizon and acquire skills that will take them beyond the classroom. Entrepreneurship and vocational training are invaluable assets that can provide a solid foundation for their future endeavors,” she added.
She however called on the students to be vigilante and proactive in ensuring the safety and security of their environment.
In a vote of thanks, President of the Student Union Government (SUG) in the institution, Ibrahim Ismaila, thanked Governor Sule for bringing relief to the students of Fulafia.
The SUG president equally appreciated the Governor for his support to the management of the university towards tackling the issue of insecurity within and outside the campus of the institution.
In Fulafia, 4000 students benefited each from two bags of 7.5kg of rice alongside five thousand naira cash gift totaling twenty million naira.
At the Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic (IMAP), Governor Sule distributed rice and cash to students drawn from the IMAP, School of Nursing and College of Agriculture, Science and Technology Lafia.
While 2000 students benefited from IMAP, 500 students benefited from College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, with another 500 benefitting from School of Nursing Lafia.
Each of the benefitting students from the three tertiary institutions also took home five thousand naira cash gift.