The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Rinsola Abiola, has charged young Nigerians to explore initiatives and programmes established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promote education, youth empowerment and leadership development.
She gave the charge while speaking at the maiden Next Generation Engagement at the Coronation Hall in Kano.
The engagement, tagged “Next Generation Project” is a programme designed by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Citizenship and Leadership to promote civic education and youth leadership development, in partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
In her address to an audience of senior secondary school students, she emphasised that the Renewed Hope administration of President Tinubu, aware of the importance of education as the key to developing the young ones for a more prosperous future, has introduced several support initiatives to provide them access to education.
She said: “This includes the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which is an interest-free loan initiative for tertiary education students who need support to pay tuition fees.
“I want to encourage you to please take your education very seriously. Studies have shown that the greater the level of education attained, the higher the capacity to earn. What this means is that education holds the key to a more prosperous future and we must therefore prioritise it. Contrary to what some people say, school is not a scam in any way because no matter the nature of the job or business, an enlightened and educated person will approach it in a more efficient and organised way.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands this very key role that education plays, and that is why the Renewed Hope administration has established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), an interest-free loan initiative for students of tertiary institutions who require support with paying their tuition.”
On promoting civic responsibility, Abiola urged the students to “take concepts such as democracy and nation-building very seriously.”
She admonished them to become active citizens who fulfil their civic obligations once they come of age, and participate in community development efforts.
The SSA also urged the youths to utilise the internet and social media responsibly, with focus on using them to access greater opportunities and greater learning experiences.
She commended the government of Kano State for its support for the engagement.
The event was attended by several officials of the Kano State Government, and the Kano state command of the NDLEA enlightened the students on the dangers of substance abuse.
The event also featured a mentorship session with Dr. Kabir Sufi, a notable public servant and entrepreneur; Khalifa Mustapha, founder of Enthuse Entrepreneurship Secondary School in Kano; and Bahijjah Shehu Bawa, founder of Bee-Jay Beauty, a cosmetic brand.
