Dogara Commends Tinubu’s NELFUND, educational policies

By: our reporter

Former Speaker House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has hailed President Bola Tinubu for his education policies particularly the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)

Dogara spoke at the Federal University of Lokoja while delivering a Special Public Lecture, titled “Empowering the Future Generation: The Founders’ Vision and Legacy.

The Public Lecture was part of the week long activities for the institution’s 9th Convocation.

According to Dogara, “the President deserves commendation expecially for the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) which he stressed has giving hope to students whose educational dreams would have been cut short for lack of funds.

“Education remains our most powerful weapon against poverty, ignorance and underdevelopment. It is the idea of planting seeds of hope, creating pathways to opportunity, and building a place where talents are refined and human potential is unlocked.

“NELFUND – a program designed to remove financial barriers to higher education for indigent Nigerian students with interest -free loans had disbursed N99.5billion to fund tuition and upkeep allowances.

“As we speak, and as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Mr. President has prioritized inclusivity and equity in access to education. We are witnessing the gradual dismantling of systemic barriers, particularly for marginalized grounds such as women and persons with disabilities. No one doubts Mr. President’s commitment to ensuring that every young Nigerian, regardless of background, has access to quality education.

“To those who have often wondered why I promote President Tinubu s education policies – you have found one of the answers. Why would any sensible person who has benefited immensely from education do otherwise?”

The Former Rep Speaker however enjoined the graduands to take advantage of their knowledge to solve Nigerian problems, urging them to develop a global mindset with local relevance.

“Think globally but act locally. While embracing international best practices, never forget your roots. The solutions to Africa problems must be African- led, though globally informed. Weather you become engineers, doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs or public servants, always ask: How can I apply global knowledge to solve local problems?”

He also tasked them to seek innovation and entrepreneurs, embrace lifelong learning, commit to ethical leadership and be a good steward for the university.
End

India Offers to Share with Nigeria Keys to Women Success in Politics, Business

By: Michael Mike

India has expressed its willingness to share the key to the success of Indian women in politics and business.

This offer was given on Thursday by the Indian High Commissioner Designate to Nigeria, H.E. Ambassador Abhishek Singh, while handing over 2000 gift packs to the students of Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child.

He said India is willing to share its experiences with partners like Nigeria and appreciated the dynamic efforts underway in Nigeria for women’s empowerment and inclusive development.

The envoy acknowledged the government’s focus under the Renewed Hope Agenda on economic empowerment, social protection, and increased political participation of women, while emphasizing the need to harness Nigeria’s demographic dividend for a better and sustainable future.

He noted that over 70% of the population is under 30, 42% under the age of 15, with a median age of approximately 18.1 — making Nigeria one of the youngest populations in the world.

He also acknowledged the increasing role of Nigeria in the world and in the Global South, and the vital contributions of Nigerian women to the country’s development.

The High Commissioner Designate appreciated the Indian companies operating in Nigeria and their contributions, noting that Indian companies are the second-largest employers of Nigerians after the federal government, with over 200 companies and total investments exceeding US$27 billion.

He also highlighted the strong CSR credentials of Indian companies and noted that India’s robust CSR ecosystem contributes meaningfully to social, environmental, and economic development.

On the celebration, the envoy said that the theme is not only very significant in terms of the two or three aspects that it covers, but it is very poignant.

“In many societies we see that howsoever hard we try, still we are not able to have, you know, full gender parity. So, the recognition of having the girls’ rights and their role in leadership and well-being is highlighted in this year’s theme. And I am sure we will have many occasions to discuss that. You now think about how we can further promote leadership amongst women.

“And I think there can be no cause greater or more noble than educating the Girl Child.

“Because you hold not only the promise of bringing prosperity and happiness to your homes, but also you ensure the prosperity of the entire society, the entire nation and the entire world. In India, in various countries, every country around the world, when we empower the Girl Child, when we empower women, we empower the societies.

“You know, we all emphasise that when you educate the girl child, you save the society, you save the country, you build the future. Not only save the society but you build the future.

“Because when there is happiness at home, there will be happiness in the society and you are the source of happiness everywhere. So, my gratitude, my greetings to all of you.”

He also cited his country where women have occupied the highest political position available.

He stressed that women “are contributing a significant amount to the India’s GDP. So, they are contributing, Indian women are contributing significantly to the Indian economy.

“In India also, we have been, you know, ensuring that we provide equal opportunity to the girl child and to place special emphasis on that under the visionary leadership of my prime minister, Narendra Modi.

He also said that “ I feel that we are all in safe hands because when we look at women leadership, we look at sympathetic leadership, we look at empathetic leadership and you bring a different touch, a different aura to the leadership. So, we are very grateful that you are all set to do great things to take up the leadership role.”

He commended the Indian companies in Nigeria for organising and donating sanitary materials to the students.

He encouraged young girls to dream big and work hard to achieve their aspirations, quoting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi word’s: “When a girl rises, a family grows and a nation shines.”

He reaffirmed India’s commitment to promoting gender equality, women empowerment and women

led development both in India and globally.

The event was attended by Dr. Mohammed Sani Ladan, Director/Secretary, and Mrs. Omolaiye Toluwa, Director (Bilateral) from the FCTA Secondary School Education Board, and Dr. Fatima Mohammed, Principal

of Government Girls Secondary School, Dutse.

On his part, the Director/ Secretary, FCT Secondary Education Board, Dr. Mohammed Ladan said the board remains “committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering learning environment where every girl can thrive in a safe, inclusive, and empowering learning environment. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and empowering learning environment where every girl can thrive in a safe, inclusive, and empowering learning environment.”

Ladan also noted that the visit of the Embassy delegation is an indication that the Girl Child can be dependable and reliable in any career.

“We affirm our dedication to promoting gender equity in education, combating barriers to access and retention in schools, supporting mentorship, leadership, and life skills programmes for girls. We encourage step partnerships and career readiness. Therefore, explore every Girl Child to embrace proper education with seriousness and enthusiasm.

“To excel, the sky remains the stepping stone if well proved. To every girl in our school, you are seen, you are valued, and you are unstoppable. Keep dreaming boldly and strive fearlessly. The world needs your voice.

“ To the High Commissioner of India, we look forward to more opportunities to partner with you, and together let us build a future where Girl Child is free to learn, live, and live with dignity.”

Meanwhile, India companies in Nigeria have pledged to work with the Education Board across the country.

“We look forward to engaging further with the Education Board and seeing how we can do many more projects like this across all states in Nigeria.”

India Offers to Share with Nigeria Keys to Women Success in Politics, Business

Information Minister Tours Zulum’s 104 Mega Schools, EV Charging Terminal

By: Our Reporter

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, on Wednesday, conducted an inspection tour of key legacy projects executed by the administration of Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, including one of the 104 mega schools and newly installed Electric Vehicle (EV) charging terminals in Maiduguri.

The tour was a highlight of the ongoing strategy meeting for Commissioners of Information from All Progressives Congress (APC)-governed states held in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

Accompanied by his Borno State counterpart, Prof. Usman Tar, and information commissioners from across the APC states, the minister assessed the scale and quality of the infrastructure developments championed by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.

The first point of call was one of the 104 mega schools named after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which was constructed to provide quality education and a conducive learning environment for children, many of whom have been affected by the over-decade-long insurgency in Borno.

The minister and his delegation commended the modern facilities which included spacious classrooms, laboratories, libraries and sporting facilities.

Following the school inspection, the team visited the location of the newly constructed EV charging terminal. This initiative, the largest in Nigeria, is part of Zulum’s forward-looking policy to promote green energy and modernise the state’s transport infrastructure.

Speaking to journalists after the tour, the minister lauded Governor Zulum’s visionary leadership and transformative projects:

“We have seen flyover bridges, a number of projects and investments that the state government have executed in education. We have been to some of the schools built by Borno State government. About 104 of them have been completed. We have seen the world-class facility in those schools,” the minister stated.

The minister also visited some federal government facilities in Maiduguri, including the Maiduguri power plant, the University of Maiduguri Solar Farm, and Muhammadu Buhari International Airport.

The strategy meeting is expected to conclude on Thursday (today) with a communiqué outlining a unified communication framework for the federal government and the information commissioners of the APC states.

Information Minister Tours Zulum’s 104 Mega Schools, EV Charging Terminal