The Governor of Oyo State, Engr.Seyi Makinde has expressed relief on the graduation of his daughter from Yale University.

Makinde on his instragram is quoted to have expressed relief that he has one less school fees to pay.

The Governor prayed that his daughter will have the best in this new chapter of her life noting that her hardworking and diligence has paid off.

Well wishers who attended the graduation include the First Lady of Oyo State, Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde, Governor of Kwara state, Abdulrazaq AbdulRahman, Hon. Adedeji Olajide representing Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency, amongst others.

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Lagos State Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement has provided financial assistance worth N1 billion to 1,681 vulnerable residents, aimed at alleviating economic hardship.

According to Dr. Tajudeen Afolabi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, this financial support is a demonstration of the state government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens.

Speaking on Monday during the ongoing ministerial press briefing to mark the second term in office of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dr. Afolabi also announced that the Governor plans to revive the school feeding programme for primary school pupils before the end of the year.

He said the move is expected to benefit thousands of pupils across the state, providing them with a nutritious meal during school hours.

According to him, “Sanwo-Olu Listens’ financial assistance to struggling Lagosians is a social welfare programme designed to provide financial assistance to vulnerable citizens in Lagos State has been sustained for five consecutive years.

“It is a fact that Lagos is not immune from the ever-increasing poverty rate in Nigeria, hence the government of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, cognisance of this unpalatable trend has therefore taken necessary steps in providing support to help reduce poverty.

“During the period under review, 1,681 vulnerable residents of Lagos State were assisted in one way or the other.”

He added that 1,074 individuals are still awaiting this benefit, which will be addressed within the next two weeks.

“So far, we have spent N1 billion on financial assistance since the program began. Once we complete the distribution to the remaining beneficiaries, we will provide the total sum expended.”

Regarding the school feeding program for primary school pupils, the Commissioner stated, “Once we finalise all the details, we will provide an update. There are many steps involved, including determining the number of pupils.”

“By the end of the year, we will disclose the total amount spent on the school feeding program.”

He also mentioned that to ensure proper engagement and feedback, the state government launched the Lagos Citizens Gate App in April 2023.

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has announced that up to 1.2 million students in federal tertiary institutions will be eligible for student loans in the program’s initial phase.

This was revealed on Monday by the Managing Director of NELFUND, Akintunde Sawyerr, ahead of the formal launch of the application portal on Friday.

According to Sawyerr, students from federal institutions that have completed uploading their data will be able to apply for the loan in this first phase, which begins on May 24.

The application process has been streamlined to ensure ease of access for all qualified students in these institutions.

The NELFUND program is a key part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at providing financial support to needy students. The loan will cover obligatory fees and stipends, enabling students to pursue their academic goals without worrying about the financial burden.

 He also added that the Fund will pay 100 percent of institutional fees directly to the institutions of learning account while also providing stipends to the students monthly based on when school is in session.

He stressed the importance of some of the key features of the student loan including, No physical contact between the loan applicant and NELFUND, a user-friendly Loan Application portal, comprehensive support where applicants can access online support to assist and flexible repayment plans.

According to him, “We encourage all students in federal institutions to take advantage of this opportunity to secure the required financial assistance for their education. Applicants must submit their applications as early as possible to ensure timely processing.”