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NEFGAD: Students Loan Unsustainable, Harmful to Nigerian Youth

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NEFGAD: Students Loan Unsustainable, Harmful to Nigerian Youth

By: Michael Mike

The Network for Social Growth and Actualization of Viable Development (NEFGAD) has criticized the Students Loan Bill of President Bola Tinubu, describing it as unsustainable and injurious to the country’s development.

The group in a statement signed by its head of office, Mr Akingunola Omoniyi and made available to newsmen in Abuja at the weekend maintained that the series of postponements and uncertainties around the launch of the scheme showed that the idea is weak and looking more like a mere campaign slogan that should have ended with the 2023 general elections.

Akingunola said the bill is anti-development and psychologically harmful to Nigetian youth, while further stating that the policy lacks adequate support system necessary for efficient operations, and will end up killing the morale, drive and esteem of Nigerian youth at the long run.

He noted that since the hope of gainful employment remains the only collateral for the loan, government should first address the challenges of unemployment/underemployment and be certain that loan takers have high assurance of gainful employment after graduating from school before commiting them to employment-tied loan repayment plan, unless the government intend to breed high population of insolvent citizens.

He said that: “A country with over 40% unemployment rate and more under-employed should expect over 50% students loan defaulters rate, hence putting over 50% of a country’s supposed productive youth population automatically under perpetual burden and stigma of insolvency is retrogressive and detrimental to the aspirations of a developing nation.

Unlike Nigeria, in countries where such policies work, governments of those countries have proper employment and retirement plans for their citizens right from their day of birth.

He decried that the Students Loan Scheme if allowed to stand will further worsen the situations of nigerian youth and render them more distressed by combining the trauma of joblessness with the burden of insolvency.

Akingunola admonished President Tinubu and the National Assembly that if at all the bill must succeed they should ensure that a robust and sustainable job creation strategies and frameworks are in place before considering such a delicate proposal.

He however canvassed for the conversation of the Loan to grants for deserving indigent students instead and rather than creating an entirely new agency/board for the Fund at a time that the country is considering the implementation of the Steve Oronsanye report in order to reduce overbloated size of government, the extant law establishing the National Scholarship Board can be strengthened to administer the fund, he advised.

NEFGAD: Students Loan Unsustainable, Harmful to Nigerian Youth

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Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs

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Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised)/24 Task Force Brigade have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.

Security sources said the attack occurred at about 2:44 a.m. on June 12 when terrorists launched coordinated assaults on the troops’ location from Wurge, Manawaji and Kinuba.

According to the sources, the troops engaged the attackers with superior firepower, supported by reinforcements from battalion headquarters, as well as mortar and artillery fire support, forcing the insurgents to withdraw.

Following the encounter, the fleeing terrorists retreating and scampered into the bushes.

At about 5:45 a.m., troops and auxiliary forces conducted a follow-up exploitation along the withdrawal route towards Wurge, during which three RPG-7 high-explosive unexploded ordnances (UXOs) and two torchlights were recovered.

The sources further disclosed that a main battle tank developed technical faults during the aftermath of the engagement, while one soldier sustained injuries from fragments of an RPG blast.

The wounded personnel was evacuated to the 3 Battalion Regimental Aid Post (RAP) for medical treatment.

Military authorities said clearance and follow-up operations were ongoing in the area to consolidate gains and prevent further terrorist regrouping.

They reaffirmed commitment to sustaining aggressive counter-terrorism operations across the North-East theatre.

Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs

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Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity

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Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity

By: Zagazola Makama

The Katsina State Government has announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in the captivity of bandits.

The government, in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu, described the development as tragic and a major loss to the state and the nation.

According to the statement, the retired senior military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.

The government said that despite sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his release, the situation ended in tragedy.

“The deceased retired general died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension,” the statement said.

It noted that the late officer’s abduction and subsequent death represented not only a loss to his immediate family and Katsina State but also a monumental loss to the country.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as a dark moment and a reminder of the need for intensified efforts against criminal elements threatening peace and security.

The governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice.

He also assured residents that the government remained resolute in its determination to eliminate banditry and safeguard lives and property across the state.

The government prayed for the repose of the soul of the late retired Major General and urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies in the fight against insecurity.

Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.

Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.

Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.

The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.

The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.

Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram

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