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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
Troops Respond to Malicious Farm Destruction in Plateau Community by Fulani Herders
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have responded to a reported case of malicious destruction of farmland in Rigochongo village in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the troops were deployed at about 1730 hours on May 11 following reports of destruction of a cultivated farm in the community.
Upon arrival at the scene, the troops observed that the farmland had been cut down, allegedly by suspected herders who had fled before security forces reached the area.
The incident is part of recurring farmer–herder tensions reported in parts of Plateau State, which have continued to prompt security interventions by deployed troops.
Military authorities said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the destruction.
Troops have also intensified patrols and surveillance operations in surrounding communities to prevent further incidents and maintain stability in the area.
Operation Enduring Peace reiterated its commitment to safeguarding farmlands, protecting rural livelihoods, and supporting peaceful coexistence among communities within its area of responsibility.
Troops Respond to Malicious Farm Destruction in Plateau Community by Fulani Herders
Troops Raid Terrorist Enclaves in Katsina, Criminals Flee Before Contact
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade, in collaboration with local vigilantes, have conducted coordinated offensive operations on suspected terrorist enclaves across parts of Katsina State, forcing criminals to flee before troops’ arrival.
Security sources told Zagazola that the operation took place at about 0800 hours on May 10, 2026, targeting Kafin-Soli, Karaduwa, Maraban Musawa and Jikamshi villages in Kankia, Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of the state.
The sources said the clearance operation was part of ongoing efforts to dislodge criminal elements and deny them freedom of action within rural communities.
According to the sources, troops and vigilantes moved simultaneously into the identified locations but met no resistance as the suspected terrorists had fled prior to their arrival.
Military authorities said follow-up exploitation of the general area was ongoing to ensure the criminals do not regroup or return to the affected communities.
They added that troops will continue intelligence-led patrols and offensive operations across vulnerable areas in Katsina State to sustain pressure on criminal networks and restore normalcy.
Troops Raid Terrorist Enclaves in Katsina, Criminals Flee Before Contact
Troops Ambush Terrorists in Kogi State, Neutralise One, Recover Arms and Cash
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 12 Brigade have successfully ambushed suspected terrorists along the Old Obajana–Jakura–Tajimi axis in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, neutralising one insurgent and recovering weapons, ammunition and other items.
Security sources said that the operation occurred at about 0450 hours on May 10, 2026, west of Meyanga and north of Adankolo Forest during a planned ambush operation.
The sources said troops made contact with the terrorists in the early hours of the day, leading to a brief exchange of fire.
According to the sources, one terrorist was neutralised during the engagement, while others fled the scene, abandoning their weapons and equipment.
Items recovered at the scene included two AK-47 rifles, six magazines loaded with 145 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated pistol, one Motorola handheld radio, one motorcycle, and a sum of ₦62,900.
Other recovered items included a camouflaged bandolier, three mobile phones and additional sundry materials.
Military authorities said troops have continued exploitation of the general area to track fleeing suspects and prevent regrouping of criminal elements.
They added that operations in the axis remain ongoing as part of sustained efforts to dominate the environment and deny terrorists freedom of action.
Troops Ambush Terrorists in Kogi State, Neutralise One, Recover Arms and Cash
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Troops Respond to Malicious Farm Destruction in Plateau Community by Fulani Herders
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