On Wednesday, the Kwara state government began distributing 50,000 cartons of noodles to students at state, federal, and private educational institutions throughout the state.
During a presentation to the leadership of Students’ Union Governments (SUGs) of tertiary institutions in Ilorin, through the Office of the Special Assistant on Students Affairs, the state commissioner for youth development, Hajia Nafisat Buge, who represented Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, stated that the gesture was in addition to previous and ongoing interventions, policy directions, and programmes to ease the people.
“As I speak with you, 38,000 cartons of the noodles are right here, while the 12,000 balance will be delivered to you in the next few days,” the governor said.
Governor Abdulrazaq also said that the intervention was another stopgap measure to support the students at this moment, adding that similar social supports in different forms are being extended to different segments of society.
“This is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our administration to support our students and to ensure their well-being during these challenging times.
“The Governor has asked me to inform you that the government will continue to support the citizenry through this moment and always.
“Palliatives are only a temporary measure to show that we care. There are various short, medium, and long-term interventions being put in place across different sectors of the economy to empower the people, expand the economic base, and improve the living standards of the people.
“Before now, the government has rolled out a number of palliatives and relief packages to help the students cope with the challenges that came with the removal of fuel subsidy.
“These welfare supports include the approval of the first phase of transportation palliative for students, which will commence in the metropolis in April. There are plans to extend this gesture to other schools as well.
“The approval of the 2024 bursary and scholarship for Kwara state indigent students, which has been a consistent initiative since the inception of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq’s administration.
“His Excellency’s continuous engagement with students, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.
“The approval of Sienna buses to the students’ apex bodies, NANS Kwara, and NAKSS National headquarters, facilitating ease of movement and coordination for student leaders.
“The approval of a secretariat for the leadership of the National Association of Kwara State Students, Kwara State axis, providing a conducive environment for student activities and initiatives.
“The provision of N10,000 palliatives for students during the subsidy removal. This again demonstrates His Excellency’s commitment to easing the financial burden on students during challenging times.
“His unwavering support for students-oriented programmes ensures that students have access to opportunities for personal and academic growth.
“These achievements underscore our Governor’s dedication to the well-being and prosperity of our students. As we distribute these food palliatives, let us remember the importance of solidarity and compassion, especially during this holy month of Ramadan.
“Let us continue to work together towards building a brighter future for our students and our state. We also invite you to join the government’s advocacy against drug abuse under whatever guise. Let us kill drug abuse before it destroys our future.”
Also speaking, the Special Assistant on Students Affairs to the governor, Salami Wasiu Onidugbe, said that the intervention is for both indigenes and non-indigenes among the students.
Onidugbe also said that a government monitoring team would be sent to each of the benefitting institutions to supervise the distribution to beneficiaries, charging the SUG leaders to ensure that the intervention reaches all students.
In their separate speeches, SUG leaders expressed appreciation to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for being a father figure.
In attendance, were the commissioner for minerals and natural resources, who also supervises the works ministry, Abdul Quowiy Olododo, NANS and NAKKS executives, among other dignitaries.