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NEFGAD: Students Loan Unsustainable, Harmful to Nigerian Youth
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
Young man dies after falling into abandoned mining pit in FCT
By: Zagazola Makama
A 27-year-old man, Ismail Ahmed, has died after being trapped in an abandoned mining pit in Pangu Village, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the incident happened on Saturday, June 7, during a heavy downpour while Ahmed was washing clothes by a nearby stream.
According to family members, he sought shelter from the rain by entering the old mining hole dug by former gold miners. The soil collapsed due to the heavy rain, trapping him inside.
Community members rescued him and rushed him to Kwali General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The family declined an autopsy and opted for burial according to Islamic rites.
Local residents have been advised to exercise caution and avoid unsafe locations, particularly during the rainy season, to prevent similar tragedies.
Young man dies after falling into abandoned mining pit in FCT
One killed, two injured as bandits attack worshippers in Zamfara mosque
By: Zagazola Makama
Atleast one person killed and two others injured following a bandit attack on worshippers during Isha (night) prayers in Dole Moriki village, Moriki District of Zurmi Local Government Area.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on Saturday when a group of armed bandits invaded the village and opened fire on Muslim worshippers observing Isha prayers in a local mosque.
“One person was confirmed dead at the scene, while two others sustained varying degrees of injuries as the bandits shot sporadically at worshippers during the prayer session,” the statement said.
Security forces were mobilized to the scene, where efforts were made to repel the attackers and restore calm.
The injured victims and the deceased were taken to General Hospital Moriki, where the wounded are currently receiving treatment. The corpse was later released to relatives for burial according to Islamic rites.
One killed, two injured as bandits attack worshippers in Zamfara mosque
Air Interdiction at Talala and Ajigin Decimates Terrorists’, kill scores
By: Zagazola Makama
The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) has carried out a successful air interdiction mission targeting ISWAP terrorists at Talala and Ajigin in the Timbuktu Triangle of Borno State.
Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama that the precision strikes were conducted on 7 May 2025 at approximately 1730 hours. The mission, executed under the ongoing Operation KALACHEN WUTA II, was based on credible intelligence and persistent surveillance.
The sources said that “Our ISR platforms had earlier picked up significant terrorist activities at the Talala and Ajigin axes, indicating that the enemy was regrouping and storing logistics in preparation for coordinated attacks.
“Following confirmation of the threat, the Air Component engaged the enclaves in a decisive strike. The precision-guided engagement resulted in the neutralisation of scores terrorists and the destruction of numerous logistics assets, including makeshift structures, weapons, and mobility platforms.”
The source described the operation as a “strategic success” that has disrupted ISWAP’s tactical preparations and denied the insurgents the opportunity to launch offensives during a critical festive period.
“As we speak, we are monitoring for post-strike effects and enemy reactions. Preliminary assessments indicate disarray within their ranks, suggesting panic and operational setbacks.”The sources observed.
“This operation sends a clear message: wherever the enemy attempts to find cover, we will find them, and we will strike with precision and resolve,” the sources said.
Zagazola has earlier reported significant build-up of militants observed in the Talala axis of the Timbuktu Triangle forests in Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State, with an intention to carry out attacks after the terrorists were sighted in about 28 motorcycles and vehicles.
Air Interdiction at Talala and Ajigin Decimates Terrorists’, kill scores
Young man dies after falling into abandoned mining pit in FCT
One killed, two injured as bandits attack worshippers in Zamfara mosque
Three bandits killed, one arrested alive by security forces in Zamfara
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