Students from the Niger Delta region have expressed their appreciation towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his prompt endorsement of a N5 billion palliative grant for each state in the federation, aimed at mitigating the repercussions of the fuel subsidy removal.
In a commendable gesture, these students, represented by the Niger Delta Students Union Government (NIDSUG), have encouraged governors across the nation to ensure that these funds are allocated judiciously, with the intention of alleviating the hardships faced by the Nigerian populace.
The recent induction of Idowu Ayemobuwa as the National President of NIDSUG in Akure, the capital city of Ondo state, provided the platform for this advice to be offered.
Ayemobuwa, in his capacity as the new leader, voiced his approval of President Tinubu’s decision to allocate N5 billion to each of the 36 states.
Ayemobuwa emphasised that this decision holds significance beyond mere commendation, as it will play a pivotal role in counteracting the adverse effects of the fuel subsidy removal.
He urged President Tinubu to ensure the appropriate utilisation of the funds, aiming to alleviate the considerable burden placed on citizens due to the policy shift.
The national president went on to emphasise two key issues of concern. Firstly, he urged for concerted efforts to revamp the nation’s refineries, as their optimal functioning could lead to a reduction in petrol prices. He also highlighted the urgent need for attention to be directed towards the ailing power sector, stressing that “rectifying this sector’s challenges would address a significant portion of the nation’s problems, as electricity is a vital component of multifaceted development.”
During his acceptance speech, Ayemobuwa expressed his commitment to addressing the welfare of students in the region, with a strong focus on scholarships and bursaries to ensure their educational advancement.
Ayemobuwa also addressed the underdevelopment prevailing within the oil-producing communities of the Niger Delta region, lamenting the neglect that has befallen these areas under successive administrations. He highlighted the failure of past governments to prioritise environmental concerns, such as pollution and sea incursion, that significantly affect the region.
The newly inducted executive members of NIDSUG also include Sunday Igbiri, secretary; Oluwajuwon Ojatula, assistant general secretary; Bankole Omolaja, vice-president; Isaac Igor, director of contact and mobilisation; and Femiola Dauda, among others.
