Kehinde Fajobi
President Bola Tinubu has extended a palliative gesture to the Student Union Government (SUG) Presidents across Nigeria, including the Federal Capital Territory, by distributing rice to them.
The rice distribution was facilitated by the office of the Special Adviser on Students Engagement to the President, Asefon Sunday, and took place in Abuja on Tuesday.
Asefon explained that the initiative was part of the President’s ongoing support for students, particularly following a similar gesture during Christmas and the New Year in December 2024.
Asefon said, “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.”
He clarified that the rice had been delayed until late December 2024, arriving in Abuja around the 28th.
To ensure proper distribution, two SUG Presidents from each zone were selected to receive and distribute the rice on behalf of the others.
“This 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,” Asefon remarked.
Looking ahead to 2024, Asefon promised continued student-focused initiatives.
He said, “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.”
Fahad Abdullahi, the Student Union Government President of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, expressed gratitude for the initiative.
“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,” he said.