NELFUND Okays Disbursement of Student Loan

The board of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has okayed the disbursement of student loan to successful applicants.

This decision was taken on Wednesday June 26th, during its inaugural meeting.

NELFUND's spokesperson, Nasir Ayitogo, revealed this in a statement.

“By approving the immediate disbursement of the loans, NELFUND is taking a critical step in fulfilling its mission to support education and empower the next generation of leaders,” Nasir Ayitogo said.

A reliable source had reported that NELFUND is set to pay over ₦35,000,000,000 to seventy thousand student loan applicants approved for successful student loan applications from students of federal government-owned tertiary institutions in the first phase of the student loan scheme.

NELFUND would also pay ₦20,000 monthly stipend to successful applicants, this was confirmed from a reliable source.

The commencement of the second phase of the student loan application process, which would include students from state-owned institutions, has been postponed for 2 weeks.

The postponement was as a result of the failure of most state institutions to upload their students data on NELFUND Student Verification System (SVS).

NELFUND said only twenty of forty eight state universities, 2 of forty nine polytechnics and twelve of the fifty four colleges of education have uploaded their information.

“The application window, initially set to open on 25 June, will now commence on 10 July,” NELFUND spokesman, Nasir Ayitogo stated.

During Wednesday’s meeting which was anchored by the Founder of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, the approval for the disbursement of student loan topped the agenda.

It is the first meeting of the board since Mr Jim Ovia’s appointment in April.

Mr Nasir Ayitogo said the inaugural meeting also set the stage for future initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and providing comprehensive support to students across various disciplines.

Nasir Ayitogo said members of NELFUND management led by the Managing Director, Dr. Akintunde Sawyerr, and representatives of member organisations were also part of the meeting.

“The meeting marked a significant milestone in the organisation’s commitment to empowering students through financial support,” Mr Nasir Ayitogo said.

“Under the leadership of the Board Chairman, Mr Jim Ovia, top in agenda was the approval for disbursement of student loan to successful applicants.

“This decision underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to providing timely and essential financial assistance to students in need, enabling them to pursue their educational goals without undue financial stress.”

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/707283-nelfund-approves-students-loan-disbursement.html

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) Holds Inaugural Board Meeting as Student Loan Disbursement Tops Agenda

 PRESS RELEASE 

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) Holds Inaugural Board Meeting as Student Loan Disbursement Tops Agenda 

June 26, 2024

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 held the inaugural meeting of its board in Abuja. 

The meeting marked a significant milestone in the organization’s dedication to empowering students through financial support.

Under the leadership of of the Board Chairman, Mr. Jim Ovia, top in agenda was the approval for disbursement of student loan to successful applicants.

This decision underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to providing timely and essential financial assistance to students in need, enabling them to pursue their educational goals without undue financial stress.

By approving the immediate disbursement of the student loans, NELFUND is taking a critical step in fulfilling its mission to support education and empower the next generation of leaders. 

The inaugural meeting also set the stage for future initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities and providing comprehensive support to students across various disciplines. 

Also present  at the meeting were the management of the fund led by the Managing Director/CEO, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr and representatives of member organizations.

Signed:

Nasir Ayitogo

Head, Media and Public Relations

Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)

Source: https://x.com/NELFUND/status/1806008441447600182

The Access Youthrive Program

The Youthrive Program is a groundbreaking collaboration between Access bank and the Vice President's office, dedicated to empowering Individuals and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). With a focus on capacity development, financial empowerment, and business exchange, Youthrive Program aims to:

1) Impact 4,000,000 youths over the next 4 years

2) Target 1,000,000 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

3) Provide ₦50,000,000,000 loans

4) Provide 1000 jobs

Objectives of the Access Youthrive Program

A) Capacity Development
Get empowered with practical skills essential for entrepreneurship and employability.

The Capacity Development pillar of the youthrive Program aims to impact over three hundred thousand Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the federation through a hybrid delivery model. This pillar ensures comprehensive development and access to foundational knowledge for participants.

Youthrive Program expansive curriculum is focused on:

1) Skills Enhancement

2) Innovation Promotion

3) Industry Exposure

4)Creative Learning

B) Career Readiness
Get ready to become an empowered Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) or a well-rounded individual set to tackle the challenges of the modern workforce, the business world, and the creative industry.

C) Access to Funding
Unlock funding opportunities: Discover grants and loans for your business.

This Youthrive Program is set to empower over seven hundred thousand Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with ₦50,000,000,000 in loans. As a testament to its dedication, the Youthrive Program not only provides financial aid but also awards grants to the top-performing participants. This strategic approach ensures that the participants not only gain knowledge but also receive the necessary financial support to turn their ideas into reality.

D) Business Exchange Program
Build networks, Forge Connections: Gear up for groundbreaking innovation and entrepreneurship.

Recognizing global exposure as a lever for success, this Youthrive Program goes beyond traditional training by offering sponsorships to ten exceptional entrepreneurs to participate in Business Exchange programs in The Netherlands, China, or India. This not only provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to expand their horizons but also emphasizes the importance of bringing valuable insights back to the local ecosystem, thus contributing to the growth and development of the community.

E) Job Opportunities
Unlock job opportunities to some of the top organizations in the country.

Youthrive Program mission is clear, which is to empower one thousand individuals with life-changing job opportunities through the youthrive Program. We believe in the transformative power of employment and are dedicated to providing avenues for our participants to thrive and succeed. We will be offering positions within the Tech space, the Access Corporation Ecosystem and partner companies.
By addressing this crucial need and contributing to the nation's workforce, especially in the technology sector, the program aims to make a significant and positive impact on both individual lives and the broader economy.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Youthrive Program

Some of the frequently asked questions about the Youthrive Program

Q. What is the primary focus of the Youthrive Program for career-focused youths and entrepreneurs?

A. Youthrive training program is designed to empower and enhance the skills of individuals and entrepreneurs with training courses on creative industry, IT/Tech sector, entrepreneurship programs and skill acquisition trainings, equipping them for success in their respective fields.

Q. How is the Youthrive Program structured to cater to the diverse needs of participants?

A. The Youthrive Program will be delivered through a flexible approach (offline and online), offering diverse modules and resources to accommodate participants with various goals and aspirations, whether in entrepreneurship or in the corporate world.

Q. How long is the duration of the Youthrive Program, and what are the key components covered during the Youthrive Program?

A. The Youthrive Program duration is structured to provide comprehensive learning opportunities. Key components include skill development, entrepreneurship training, and career-focused modules.

Q. How can interested individuals apply for the Youthrive Program, and what is the selection process like?

A. Information on applying for the Youthrive Program is available on https://youthrive.accessbankplc.com/. The selection process begins once you have successfully applied. Applications are reviewed to ensure the Youthrive Program is a good fit for the candidates, and shortlisted applicants are contacted with details of the training schedule.

Q. Is opening an Access Bank account a requirement for the Youthrive Program?

A. An Access Bank account is compulsory to access select program benefits including trainings, loan disbursements, grant payments and other offerings.

Q. How are the loans and grants structured, and what are the eligibility criteria for applicants?

A. The financial assistance options are tailored to the needs of the participants. Grant eligibility would require successful completion of the training and a viable business plan. Affordable loan options are available to registered and unregistered Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) subject to terms and conditions.

Q. Can I use my existing current or savings account to access the loan opportunity?

A. Only an existing business current account can be used. However, you can easily open a business current account by clicking on onboarding.accessbankplc.com before submitting your application.

Q. What type of business account can I open?

A. The DBALite is a cost-effective business current account that is specifically designed for young entrepreneurs and individuals. Registered businesses and unregistered businesses can easily open this account type.

Q. Is my information secure when opening an account online?

A. The online account opening platform is hundred percent secured and your details are safe and secure. These details will be used only for the purpose for which they were collected.

Q. How do I apply for a business loan?

A. Click on the Apply Now button, choose a category you fall under, fill in your details and click the box for 'apply for a loan', you will be directed to a loan portal to complete your request.

Q. What opportunities for the Youthrive Program are available upon completing the training?

A. Graduates of the program have access to various financial support mechanisms, including loans, grants, and the possibility of being selected as a beneficiary of the Business Exchange program to the Netherlands, China and India.

Q. Are employment opportunities also available for participants completing the Youthrive Program?

A. Yes, Youthrive Program connects participants with potential employers, fostering valuable networking opportunities and increasing their chances of securing meaningful employment in their chosen fields.

Q. Is there ongoing support for Youthrive Program graduates beyond the initial training period?

A. Yes, graduates receive post support through mentorship programs, networking events, and access to additional resources. This support aims to foster long-term success and sustainability in their chosen careers or entrepreneurial ventures.

Npower News Regarding Npower Payment Today Wednesday 26th June 2024

According to Npower News Regarding Npower Payment Today Wednesday 26th June 2024, Npower payment to beneficiaries of Npower batch c cannot start unless Betta Edu has been cleared by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).The suspension of Npower by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not been lifted.

According to Npower News, training of desk officers prior to the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme is currently ongoing in different states across Nigeria. The training in some states have been concluded but the cash transfer office across the states are waiting for the go ahead to commence enrollment of the poor and vulnerable households.

There are reports online claiming that there is no more Npower, that according to audits over 30% of the Npower beneficiary are ghost beneficiary and that the Npower payment proposal has been rejected three times and the Federal Government of Nigeria cannot make payment to beneficiaries of Npower, please this information is not true. A letter has been submitted to the Presidency and the former Vice President of Nigeria Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and beneficiaries of Npower batch c are still awaiting the feedback from the Presidency and the former Vice President.

Betta Edu: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, What Is The Status of Humanitarian Affairs Ministry?

On January 13, 2024, after removing Betta Edu from the office of the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu set up a six-member panel to review the policy guidelines of social investment programmes. Led by Finance Minister Wale Edun, the panel is tasked with auditing the financial frameworks of these social investment programmes.

The committee members include Muhammad Ali Pate (Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare), Atiku Bagudu (Minister of Budget and Economic Planning), Mohammed Idris (Minister of Information and National Orientation), Bosun Tijani (Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy), and Ayodele Olawande (Minister of State for Youth).

I praise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the quick decisions and actions taken to address the multitude of crises and scandals within the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation from August 2023 to January 2024. However, the delay by the committee is making progress appear stalled and ineffective.

Six months have passed without any updates from the committee regarding the social investment programmes including Npower. With the rising poverty levels, we cannot afford this delay. In an administration of only four years, time is a luxury we do not have. Immediate and effective social investment programmes are crucial to providing relief to the most vulnerable populations.

Social investment programmes are designed to boost human capital, improve health and education outcomes, and create opportunities for economic empowerment.

Without timely intervention, the cycle of poverty can become more entrenched, making it more difficult and costly to reverse in the future.

To speed up the work of the committee and ensure timely submission of its report to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the following recommendations should be taken:

1. Set Clear Deadlines – Establish firm deadlines for each phase of the committee’s review process. Breaking down tasks into manageable milestones will ensure steady progress and accountability.

2. Increase Resources – Allocate additional resources, such as staff, technology, and funding, to support the committee’s efforts. Enhanced support can expedite data collection, analysis, and report drafting.

3. Interim Reports – Encourage the submission of interim reports to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. These updates can highlight initial findings and recommendations, allowing for immediate action on urgent issues while the final report is being prepared.

4. Stakeholder Engagement – Involve key stakeholders, including experts, community leaders, and relevant organisations, to provide insights and expedite information gathering. Collaborative efforts can enrich the report’s content and hasten its completion.

5. Public Accountability – Make the committee’s timeline and objectives public to create external accountability. Public scrutiny can motivate timely action and ensure that the committee remains on track.

6. Prioritise Key Issues – Focus on the most critical aspects of the social investment programmes first like Npower, homegrown school feeding program and conditional cash transfer. Tackling the most pressing issues can yield quick wins and set the stage for broader recommendations in the final report.

Source: https://blueprint.ng/mr-president-whats-the-status-of-humanitarian-affairs-ministry/

Unified Nigerian Youth Forum Writes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Drums Support For Halimat Adenike As Minister For Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation

The Unified Nigerian Youth Forum, a pressure group, writes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint Hajiya Halimat Adenike as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, saying that Hajiya Halimat Adenike has the right attributes to man the Ministry for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

The Unified Nigerian Youth Forum in a letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and copied to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, First lady, the National Security and Director of State Security Services, explained that the demand became necessary as a result of Hajiya Halimat Adenike's impactful and selfless life as a philanthropist.

In the letter which was written following resolutions of its emergency meeting in Lagos and signed by the Unified Nigerian Youth Forum's National President, Comrade Idowu Olufemi Shoroye, the group based its request on inclusivity and the need to address the needs of the vulnerable and less privileged.

The letter reads in parts: “Our passionate focus on Nigerian youths, especially the vulnerable and physically challenged has informed our decision. Even though we are non partisan and ordinarily wouldn’t have cared about who gets appointed, considering the attendant negative impact on the less privileged and youths of the country if the Ministry continues to operate without a Minister, we are confident that this request is imperative.”

“As a physically challenged person, the nomination of Hajiya Halimat Adenike Tejuosho means the inclusion of youths, people living with disabilities and senior citizens all over the country. This is therefore, the right time for the current administration to right the wrongs occasioned by the exclusion of people with disabilities aside the fact that she’s ably qualified and passionate about humanitarian interventions.”

While describing Hajiya Halimat Adenike as a selfless patriot who has been using her personal resources to bring succour to senior citizens, People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) and the less privileged through the Tejuosho Foundation (QATFoundation), the group highlighted some of Hajiya Halimat Adenike's contributions to humanity, arguing that Hajiya Halimat Adenike's passion for the downtrodden should be rewarded.

“As a mark of true philanthropy, Hajiya Halimat Adenike has severally been involved in children including the celebration of Children’s Day with vulnerable and indigent children in Lagos where over five hundred school books, bags, shoes, water bottles, foodstuffs and writing materials where shared.”

“Her annual Ramadan largesse to over ten thousand PWDs as well as her recent (Eid-kabir) Sallah packages to hundreds of households across the 774 Local Governments of the Country who could not afford to celebrate the festivities, cannot be forgotten. For someone with such a large heart, functioning as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation will be an easy task”, the letter added.

The Unified Nigerian Youth Forum urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize merit and disregard the antics of parochial minds who are against the appointment of Hajiya Halimat Adenike Tejuosho simply because of her state of origin and region, adding that Nigeria cannot develop if we eschew merit and enthrone mediocrity.

“It is our earnest hope that you’ll not listen to retrogressive arguments pertaining to her origin as many contenders would want to distract you by bringing up trivialities. Merit more than trivial issues of origin should be considered here. The appointment of this hardworking and dedicated humanitarian and party stalwart as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is therefore the right thing to do,” they added.

The Unified Nigerian Youth Forum assured of continued and massive support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027 if Hajiya Halimat Adenike is appointed and considering her “grassroot appeal”, adding that “her appointment will be a breath of fresh air for the less privileged in the rural areas”.

“Over Fifty Civil Society Organisations and other reputable organisations across the federation, dedicated to humanitarian courses endorsed their signatories on the letter supporting our position,” the group said.

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/06/group-writes-tinubu-drums-support-for-halimat-adenike-as-humanitarian-minister/

Npower News Wednesday 26th June 2024 Beneficiaries Of Npower Batch C Writes To President, National Assembly and Other Stakeholders

According to Npower News, the National Chairman comrade Muhammad Habibu Abubakar and the National Vice Chairman Idris Sani have written a letter to former President, National Assembly and other Stakeholders over the non payment of 9-12 months stipends being owed beneficiaries of Npower batch c.

An original copy of the letter is shown below:

Image Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/VvVZqnbFcCgpxoCM/?mibextid=xfxF2i