News

Student Loans: 350,000 Applications Received, N10bn Disbursed In Tuition, Stipends – NELFUND

Published

1 day ago

October 24, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…say disbursement not discriminatory but inclusive

By Gloria Ikibah

The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, has said the Fund has received over 350,000 applications and disbursed over N10 billion, with a commitment to disbursing N90 billion in tuition fees and stipends.

Sawyer stated this at an inaugural meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Student Loans, Scholarships and Higher Education Financing on Wednesday.

He said that the scheme is not discriminatory but inclusive, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or background, has access to the education they deserve.

He further explained that the fund has also been proactive in reaching out to segments of the nation that feel left behind- particularly the South East.

The NELFUND Boss said significant progress has been made in engaging these communities, with multiple rounds of sensitization in the region, resulting in a surge in applications.

He said, “Applications are coming in at an average of over 1,000 per day, and we are making special provisions for students living with disabilities. Moreover, we are focused on addressing the barriers to girl-child education, recognizing that denying girls the opportunity for further education is denying the nation a chance to benefit from their incredible leadership potential.

“With 70% of our population under the age of 35, failing to provide access to education for this segment exposes Nigeria to a future fraught with instability and violence. This intervention by President Tinubu could not have come at a better time.”

According to Sawyerr, the Fund is an institution designed to bring succour to the common man, especially in these challenging economic times, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He said it was not just a palliative for immediate relief but a long-term solution aimed at fostering stability and growth in a large and diverse nation like Nigeria.

“This administration, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has introduced many brilliant policies, and the student loan initiative is one that hits closest to home. It is reaching every corner of the nation-East, West, North, and South.

“This policy is not discriminatory; it is inclusive, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of location or background, has access to the education they deserve.

“It is akin to monumental policies such as the free education program of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by Gen Yakubu Gowon, and the creation of federal universities.

“These policies have shaped Nigeria’s development, and the student loan initiative is equally progressive, representing an investment in our nation’s future.

“We have also been proactive in reaching out to segments of the nation that feel left behind- particularly the South East. I am pleased to report that my team and I have made significant progress in engaging these communities, with multiple rounds of sensitization in the region, resulting in a surge in applications,” he said

He further reiterated the commitment of the Fund to working closely and harmoniously with the committee.

Sawyerr said it is only through cooperation and peaceful collaboration can they achieve the best possible outcomes for Nigeria and its students.

“In this regard, NELFUND will also be working closely with the National Assembly in the area of sensitization, recognizing that you are closest to the people and best positioned to reach your constituents.

“A comprehensive work plan will be developed to guide our efforts, ensuring that we engage effectively at all levels to make certain that no student is left behind.

“One of the steps we have taken to strengthen our partnership is the upcoming retreat for the joint committee in the first week of November. This retreat will provide us with the opportunity to interface and sensitize lawmakers on our activities and objectives.

“It will also allow us to gain a deeper understanding of the workings of the National Assembly and the peculiar needs of various constituencies across the country. This collaboration is crucial in shaping a student loan system that truly serves the interests of all Nigerians.

“As we continue to work together, let us remember that our collective goal is the good of Nigeria and its youth. By ensuring that education remains accessible and equitable, we are not only securing the future of millions of young Nigerians, but we are also building a stronger, more prosperous nation,” he added.

Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Gboyega Isiaka, said the Committee was concerned about the ability of the management staff to manage the enterprise, which has so much potential.

According to him, NELFUND was a very critical agency created not only to provide loans, but it’s about creating a future where every Nigerian youth has the opportunity to realise their potentials and contribute to the nation’s growth.

“Therefore, as we progress into proper oversighting of this institution, we are going to be concerned with so many things. We want, for example, to be able to tell ourselves where will NELFUND be within the next three to five years? How is it going to get there? And what are the issues that we need to address in order for them to get there?.

“We as a committee, we have decided to work, and of course working in conjunction with the directive given to us by the Speaker and the leadership of the House, to work with the executive and the management and board of this company to ensure that the reasons for the setting up are achieved.

“But we also expect that we will work very well within the confines of the law and ensure that all the aspirations and the expectations of the people of Nigeria, particularly the youth, are met,” he stated.

News

World Polio Day: 138 Polio Cases In Africa, Nearly Half Infected Children From Nigeria – UNICEF

Published

2 hours ago

October 25, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…as west, central African celebrities release new song to drive immunization

By Gloria Ikibah

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has disclosed that as of 22 October 2024, there have been 138 polio cases in Africa, and nearly half of infected children came from Nigeria.

As a result of this, leading music stars and celebrity actors from across West and Central Africa have come together to release a new song titled No More Zero Dose to help bring childhood immunization back on track.

The song which was released on World Polio Day, brings together 12 of the region’s top musicians and UNICEF Champions – Cobhams, Ali Nuhu, Kate Henshaw, Master Soumy, Mawndoe, Omawumi, Qing Madi, Sekouba Bambino, Spyro, Stanley Enow, Timi Dakolo and WAJE to send a clear message: every child deserves to be protected by vaccines.

It focused on the urgent need to reach zero-dose children, those who have not received any vaccinations, and protect them from preventable childhood diseases like polio, measles and more.

UNICEF, in a statement made available to Naijablitznews.com reveals that West and Central Africa is the region with the lowest immunization coverage in the world.

The statement reads: “Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) coverage for the region was 69 per cent in 2023, down from 72 per cent in 2019.

“The region has also experienced multiple vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks in recent years, including polio, measles, diphtheria and yellow fever.

“So far this year (as of 22 October 2024), there have been 138 polio cases in Africa, and nearly half of infected children were in Nigeria. In 2023, there were 506 polio cases in Africa.

“With nearly 4.3 million children across the region not receiving vital vaccines, ‘No More Zero Dose’ delivers a call to action through music. By fusing vibrant sounds with a message of hope, love, and protection, these artists hope to inspire listeners to join the movement to protect every child.

UNICEF’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Gilles Fagninou, restated the commitment of UNICEF to ensuring that no child is left behind, especially those in hard-to-reach areas.

“Zero-dose children are the most vulnerable, and ensuring they receive life-saving vaccines is critical for their future. This song amplifies that message. We can and must reach every child and eradicate polio.

“As a UNICEF Champion, I urge everyone to join us in the fight against preventable diseases like polio. Together, we have the power to protect every child’s future and eradicate these diseases for good,” said Nigerian music producer Cobhams Asuquo, who spearheaded the collaboration. “Let us work to ensure that every child receives the vital vaccine they deserve, protecting their future and our world. Join us in this mission—let’s spread hope and health across Africa.”

UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, said the project is significant for Nigeria, a country still facing a high number of under vaccinated children.

“The release of the No More Zero Dose song featuring 12 talented artists from across West and Central Africa, eight of whom are from Nigeria, reflects the deep commitment to ensuring that every child receives life-saving vaccines. Music is a powerful tool for change, and through this collaboration, we are amplifying the message that no child should be missed”, she said.

No More Zero Dose has been launched on YouTube and will soon be available on popular streaming platforms. As the region marks World Polio Day, this collaborative effort serves as a reminder that while progress has been made, the fight to end zero-dose cases continues.

News

Confusion As Flood Unearths Corpses From Graves

Published

2 hours ago

October 25, 2024

Naijablitznews

Residents of Udaba, a community in Edo State, are grappling with the devastating aftermath of severe flooding that has uprooted graves, washing corpses out of their resting places.

The flood, which has wreaked havoc across multiple communities, has left many in fear and distress.

The impact is not limited to Udaba; other communities, including Anegbete, Ekperi, Osomhegbe, Ogoimeri, Iyowa, Ofukpu, Ifekhu, Agenebode, Ubiaja, and Ilushi, all within Etsako East, Etsako Central, and Esan South East local government areas, are also severely affected, PM News reports.

Joseph Odemokpai, the Councillor representing Ward 8 in Etsako Central Local Government Area, confirmed the extent of the crisis.

“In Udaba, some dead bodies have been washed away from the grave by the flood,” he said, stating the distressing reality faced by locals.

In addition to the alarming displacement of corpses, the severe cold brought on by the flooding has claimed several lives.

“Some persons have even died as a result of the severe cold due to the flood,” Odemokpai reported, emphasised the compounding dangers of the natural disaster.

According to Odemokpai, “Houses, farmlands, and crops—such as cassava, rice, and yam—have been submerged, with farm produce, livestock, and personal property swept away by the devastating flood.”

He said the flood situation remains critical, with water levels still high in the affected communities.

“Entire areas are overwhelmed by floodwaters, and efforts are underway to relocate residents to safety camps.

“Similar flooding has been reported in Ward 9 and Ward 10, affecting communities including Anegbete, Udochi, Ogomere, and Ifekhu, as well as Ofukpo, among others across the impacted local government areas.”

Odemokpai added that while the local government councils are currently taking action, he urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (EdoSEMA) to assist these communities.

News

More Bodies Recovered From Port Harcourt Helicopter Crash

Published

2 hours ago

October 25, 2024

Naijablitznews

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) says two more bodies have been recovered from the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter that crashed in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Three persons were confirmed dead following the crash on Thursday. Eight persons (six passengers and two crew members) were on board the aircraft when the incident happened.

Barely a day after the crash, the NSIB said more bodies have been recovered while three more persons remain unaccounted for.

“We have recovered two more bodies, making it a total of five. There are three more down there that hopefully will be recovered today,” NSIB Director General Alex Badeh said on Friday’s edition of Channels Television’s breakfast show Sunrise Daily.

When asked if there are chances that none of those on board the aircraft survived the crash, Badeh said, “Unfortunately. this time, that is the working theory”.

According to him, investigators are on their way to the scene of the accident, saying it would take days for the wreckage of the aircraft to be recovered.

‘We Might Find Survivors’

He said, “The priority is to recover the rest of the bodies there” but there is a “chance” that some persons onboard the aircraft might be alive.

“Human beings are resilient. As long as they have their life support devices, there is a chance we might find survivors there,” Badeh said.

The helicopter, with registration 5N-BQG, operated by Eastwind Aviation, crashed one kilometre away from its destination. It was engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

It crashed around 11:22 am along the waterways in the Rivers State capital after taking off from the Port Harcourt Military Base (DNPM) to the FPSO – NUIMS ANTAN oil rig.

The cause of the incident is unclear as of now but Badeh said “there was so light and moderate rain on their arrival and there was an overcast. We would look into that. That might have a chance or a role to play.

“Other than that, I can’t really say until we recover the flight recorder and speak to more witnesses there.”

Police authorities in Rivers State said all eight persons aboard the aircraft may have died from the incident.

“All eight persons onboard are feared dead,” the Rivers State Police Command said on Friday.

“The Marine Division of the Rivers State Police Command is cooperating with other agencies to recover the aircraft and the occupants.”

Following the crash, President Bola Tinubu ordered authorities to intensify their efforts in the rescue mission.

He also commiserated with the families of the victims and the NNPCL over the crash.