President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended palliative support to Student Union Government (SUG) Presidents across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The gesture, which included the distribution of rice, was facilitated through the office of the Special Adviser on Students Engagement, Asefon Sunday.
Speaking during the distribution event held in Abuja on Tuesday, Asefon highlighted the President’s commitment to supporting students and youth leaders. He noted that the initiative was part of Tinubu’s efforts to address the needs of the student community, particularly during the festive season.
“Today, the SUG Presidents across the Federation, by God’s grace, will also receive their rice from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a man who understands the importance of students as leaders not only of tomorrow but also of today,” Asefon said.
Asefon further clarified that the rice, originally intended for distribution during the 2024 Christmas season, arrived late in December, prompting a delayed handover.
“The rice arrived in Abuja very late, around December 28th last year. So, this year, we thought it wise to ask them to come to Abuja so that we could personally hand over the rice to them,” he explained.
He noted that two SUG Presidents from each geopolitical zone were selected to oversee the distribution, ensuring equitable access for all beneficiaries.
“It has never happened in the history of this country that the President will reach out to stakeholders and student leaders, particularly SUG Presidents, in December. This is the first time it’s happening,” he added.
One of the beneficiaries, Fahad Abdullahi, the SUG President of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, expressed gratitude to the President and Asefon for the support.
“We were informed that all SUG Presidents across the 36 states of the nation should come and receive rice, a gesture from the President. We are sincerely appreciative and commend him for these initiatives, starting with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and now the Rice Initiative. We are looking forward to more.”
The initiative, according to Asefon, is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to engaging with and supporting the student community.
“This will be a time for Nigerian youth and students to reflect and express their thoughts while engaging with the government. The students and youth of this country are now feeling the presence of the government and experiencing its impact,” he stated.
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