₦airaland Forum

After the inconclusive Gombe Convention, a rescheduled Convention chaired by Comr. Prince Miaphen (UniJos) was held between 1st-4th September, 2016 at the Old Parade Ground, Garki Abuja.

Below are the democratically elected “National Leaders” and their various positions of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS;
Position| Name| Institution

A. Executive Arm:
1. President
• Comr. Aruna Kadiri -UniBen

2. VP Ntl. Affairs
• Comr. Shettima Umar -ATBU

3. VP Ext. Affairs
• Vacant

4. VP Special Duties
• Comr. Felix Attah -UniJos

5. Secretary General
• Harrison Efe Ogiemwanre

6. Assistant Secretary General
• Comr. Sunday Ogbu Ochiba -NSUK

7. Financial Secretary
• Comr. Godspower Ikechukwu Okorie -UniZik

8. Dir. of Travels & Exchange (DTE)
• Comr. Akinola Abiodun -Yabatech

9. Public Relations Officer (PRO)
• Vacant

10. Ex-Official I
• Comr. Aisha Hussein -FCE Kano

11. Ex-Official II
• Comr. Dzeremo Erbo Scholastica -BSU

12. Director of Sports
• Vacant
******************

B. Legislative Arm:
1. Senate President
• Comr. Oyedide Salam -OAU

2. Deputy Senate President
• Comr. Bashir. Isa G. -SSU

NB:
The Election for the vacant positions will be conducted during the Next Senate Meeting which is to be chaired by the Senate President, Comr. Oyedide Sadam.

Signed:
Akolo Raymond Eggon, SSA on Media & Publicity To NANS President, Comr. Aruna Kadiri (UniBen)

The inauguration of the newly elected National Officials of NANS has kicked off precisely 12:30 pm with due representatives from the first lady of Nigeria, Haj. Aisha Buhari; speaker of the HoR, Rt Hon. Yakubu Dogara; and SSA on Youth & Student Affairs to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Comr. Aruna Kadiri of UniBen, the 28th NANS President was the first to take oath of office followed by Comr. Salam Oyejide, Senate president.

Also in attendance are:
• Newly elected executives of NANS,
• Former presidents of NANS,
• FRSC
• Wives of former chiefs of army staff,
• NANS 2016 Convention chairman, Prince Miaphen
• CPC members,
• Inauguration Committee, Nigerian Students, Zonal leaders, JCC leaders, SUG presidents, the media (print and electronic) among others.

The inauguration, first of its kind in campus is holding at University of Abuja, Gwagwalada FCT.

Signed:
Akolo Raymond Eggon, SSA on Media & Publicity to NANS President Aruna Kadiri

National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS

On behalf of the president-elect of the above association, Comr. Aruna Kadiri of UniBen, I wish to invite all well meaning Nigerian students, zonal EXCOs, JCCs, Senators, stakeholders to the inauguration of its 28th National Executives which is schedule to hold as follows:

Date:
• October 6th, 2016

Time:
• 10:00 am

Venue:
• University of Abuja, Gwagwalada (New site)

Signed:
Akolo Raymond Eggon, SSA on Media & Publicity to Comr. Aruna Kadiri

Press Release
October 03, 2016

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, demand the immediate and unconditional release of its members who were arrested and detained some days ago upon arrival at Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul, Turkey.

NANS, the apex umbrella of Nigerian students both home and abroad condemn in totality this action of the Turkish government. We consider their arrest as a deliberate attempt to ridicule our country's hard earned image.

According to THISDAY, over 50 Nigerian students were arrested in Turkey, allegedly on the order of the government. The detained Nigerians who are mainly students of Fathi University, one of the private universities located in the metropolitan Büyükçekmece district of Istanbul, Turkey was founded in 1996 with a relatively high rate of international students from 102 countries.

We commend the Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government on the ongoing efforts towards ensuring the safety and well-being of the students whose school, Fathi University, was among the 2,099 schools shut down by the Turkish government for links with Fethullah Gulen, the alleged mastermind of the failed July 15, 2016 coup in the country.

NANS therefore call on Turkish government to honour this non-negotiable demand, as failure to adhere to this, Nigerian students led by the president, Comr. Aruna Kadiri, is set to shut down the Turkish embassy on or before Friday, October 7th, 2016.

It is instructive to state that the new leadership of NANS will continue to collaborate with government and individuals in achieving some of her objectives, but never at the expense of Nigerian students. The rights of every Nigerian student is non-negotiable.

Lastly, we call on Nigerian students to be on alert for failure to release our arrested members on the stipulated date we shall all storm Abuja in protest. AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL. Be Your Brother's Keeper!

Aluta Continua! Victoria Acerta!!!

Signed:
Akolo Raymond Eggon, SSA on Media & Publicity To NANS President, Comr. Aruna Kadiri

Press Release
October 03, 2016

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, demand the immediate and unconditional release of its members who were arrested and detained some days ago upon arrival at Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul, Turkey.

NANS, the apex umbrella of Nigerian students both home and abroad condemn in totality this action of the Turkish government. We consider their arrest as a deliberate attempt to ridicule our country's hard earned image.

According to THISDAY, over 50 Nigerian students were arrested in Turkey, allegedly on the order of the government. The detained Nigerians who are mainly students of Fathi University, one of the private universities located in the metropolitan Büyükçekmece district of Istanbul, Turkey was founded in 1996 with a relatively high rate of international students from 102 countries.

We commend the Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government on the ongoing efforts towards ensuring the safety and well-being of the students whose school, Fathi University, was among the 2,099 schools shut down by the Turkish government for links with Fethullah Gulen, the alleged mastermind of the failed July 15, 2016 coup in the country.

NANS therefore call on Turkish government to honour this non-negotiable demand, as failure to adhere to this, Nigerian students led by the president, Comr. Aruna Kadiri, is set to shut down the Turkish embassy on or before Friday, October 7th, 2016.

It is instructive to state that the new leadership of NANS will continue to collaborate with government and individuals in achieving some of her objectives, but never at the expense of Nigerian students. The rights of every Nigerian student is non-negotiable.

Lastly, we call on Nigerian students to be on alert for failure to release our arrested members on the stipulated date we shall all storm Abuja in protest. AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL. Be Your Brother's Keeper!

Aluta Continua! Victoria Acerta!!!

Signed:
Akolo Raymond Eggon, SSA on Media & Publicity To NANS President, Comr. Aruna Kadiri

By Blessing A. Liman

In the quest to promoting peace in the Niger Delta region, the National Association of Nigerian Students, following the outcome of the Niger Delta stakeholders engagement meeting held Saturday the 24th of September, 2016, back the Niger Delta peace and developmental initiative in its effort to finding lasting solution to the challenges bedeviling the region.

Condemning the bombing of pipe-lines in the region, the apex Students body in a statement signed by its president Comr. Aruna Kadiri, described the act as being not only a loss to the nation's economy but a destruction to the environment. It is therefore calling on youths in the region to lay down their arms and embrace peace, trusting that the federal government under the leadership of president Muhammadu Buhari will attend to their needs.

NANS further called on fellow youths of the region to resist being used by self-seeking elders in destroying their future and support the government initiative by joining hands  to strengthen peace and development in the Niger Delta.

While commending the organizers of the initiative to include; the honorable minister of transportation Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, HE Obong Victor Attah, the Ag. MD. Of MDDC Mrs. Ibim Seminitari and other well-meaning citizens of the region, NANS assured of it willingness to partner with the federal government and other concerned organizations to ensure restoration of peace in the Niger Delta region.

According to Franklin D. Roosevelt, “in a truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be won”. Fellow Nigerians, congratulations yet again for the well deserved victory. This precious gift, Nigeria was won for us by the faith, resilience, unity, love, sweat and courage of our forefathers. We have nothing to give them in return for their precious hard works and sacrifices. We can only remember them, emulate their deeds and make a heartily salute while celebrating the national events. They would always be in our hearts.

On this day marking the 56th Independence Day of Nigeria, I call on Nigerians alike to come together to felicitate our glorious nation and feel proud to be Nigerians. We should be proud that we are the heirs of such blessed dreamers and we must continue to dream big dreams for ourselves and our beloved country Nigeria.

Nigerians should never take their Independence for granted. We must do our part to make this country a better place; a legacy to live for and a legacy to die for. Let this young generation of Nigerians like myself recommit ourselves even at this moment of great difficulties to fighting for the ideals which brought us this gift. Like our fallen heroes, let us fight to imbibe the cherished ideals of unity, love, brotherhood, faith, resilience, prayers and courage and make these the fulcrum of the Redeemed Nigeria.

Nigeria is our mother country and we are its citizens. We should always be ready to save the honor of our country. It is our responsibility to lead our country ahead and make it a best country of the world. I hereby urge all Nigerians to take an oath today of being highly responsible and well-educated citizens of the tomorrow Nigeria. We should sincerely perform our duty and do work hard to get the goal and successfully lead this democratic nation.

To my fellow students, I enjoin you to continue to be law abiding, and most importantly, take your studies serious. The future of Nigeria is tied to it. Be rest assured, the new leadership of NANS is committed to the struggle for the greater interest of Nigerian students both at home and abroad.

To our men and women in positions of authority, the country demand more from you. No excuses, be responsible! We have many challenges before us, but I am certain we can overcome them; unity, faith and hope is KEY.

Lastly, I leave you with this heroic message of one of our founding fathers, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe: “It makes no difference to me really whether I win this election or not, and i want you to believe me. And I'm not talking politics. For 25years of my life I have fought for the freedom of Nigeria. Nigeria will have gained independence on October 1 ***. So long as Nigeria is independent, I will be satisfied”. I pray like him, this should be the desire of every Nigerian politician. The interest of the country must be place above everything. It would be a a great disservice if we chose to fight over this country, instead of fighting for it. God bless Nigeria.

Happy Independence Day, citizens of Nigeria

Signed:
Akolo Raymond Eggon, SSA on Media & Publicity to NANS President, Comr. Aruna Kadiri

The 28th President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Comr. Aruna Kadiri has congratulated the governor-elect of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Mr. Obaseki was declared winner by INEC after pulling the majority vote casted on the September 28th gubernatorial election.

Aruna in a signed congratulatory message urged the newly elected governor to see his victory as a challenge and a call to better the lots of the people of Edo State.

He also urged Mr. Obaseki to pay adequate attention to education, especially bursary and scholarship to ease the suffering of the teeming students community.

“The States own institutions should also be given priority attention and budgetary allocation to education should rise above the 26% UNESCO bench mark,” the statement reads.

After results collation from the 18 local
government areas of Edo state, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled a total of 319,483 votes while that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Osagie Ize-Iyamu, polled 253,173 votes.

The ruling APC won in Akoko-Edo LGA, Ikpoba-Okha, Etsako West, Etsako East, Etsako Cenral, Owan East LGA, Ovia North LGA, Oredo LGA, Uhunwomnde, Igueben LGA, Egor LGA, Owan West LGA while the PDP won in Esan North Central, Esan West LGA, Orhionmwon LGA, Esan South East LGA, Esan North East LGA.

Read Complete Statement Below:

Congratulations Mr Godwin Obaseki, Governor-elet of Edo State

I want to use this medium to congratulate the winner of the Edo States Gubernatorial election the person of Godwin Obaseki of the APC.While congratulating him I want him to see this victory as a challenge and a call to better the lots of the people of Edo State.

The students of Edo extraction both at home and beyond should be considered in terms of Bursary and scholarship to ease the suffering of our teeming students populace. The States own institutions should also be given priority attention and budgetary allocation to education should raise above the 26% UNESCO bench mark.

For those that lost the election, I want to advise we all be calm and channel our grievance through the appropriate authority. Edo State should be considered first in our heart. Congratulations once eagain to the winner and May God guide protect and give you the wisdom to pilot the affairs of the state.

God bless the good people of Edo State and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed:
Comr. Kadiri Aruna, President National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)

Press Release
September 27th, 2016

Proposed Nation's Asset Sales: Our Stand -NANS

While the President Muhammadu Buhari led government was still dilly-dallying on what to do about the biting effect of the bad economy on the lives of the Nigerian people, a suggestion which shook the nation to its foundation and elicited cacophony of reactions from Nigerians came from successful businessman and Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote that choice Assets be put on sale to raise funds to run the economy.

According to Dangote, “the federal government will do well to sell off the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas company NLNG as well as other dormant but huge capital generating sectors and invest the proceeds back into the economy to bring Nigeria out of its current recession before the end of the fourth quarter”.

Backing Aliko Dangote on oil asset sales is Nigerian Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki. To get the nation’s economy out of recession, Saraki urged government to raise capital from oil asset sales to shore up the nation’s foreign reserve.

However, by the virtue of section 44 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, “the nation's natural resources shall be held in trust for the Nigerian people by the federal government”. It is therefore so disheartening that one would have expected Senators who sworn to protect the constitution to unanimously kick against the suggestion to sell nation's asset to a few people, but for selfish considerations a few legislators who may be queuing up to participate in the purchase of the nation's assets are not prepared to defend the constitution.

When the issue of economic recession was tabled for debate before the senate, majority of them openly rejected the proposal, on the premise that those pushing for it are only interested in pauperising the nation further. For example, the Deputy president of the senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu stoically opposed the suggestion; “assets from our oil investment specifically for quick capital in tackling the recession will put the country in critical economic situation”. He further stated that if precaution is not taken, it will not be fair to our country in the next generation.

From inception, NANS has stood and fought for justice, good governance and the rule of law. And after wide consultations, the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS), an umbrella body of all students’ organizations and a major stakeholder in the Nigeria' project, has resolved as follows;

1. First and foremost, the federal government should as a matter of urgency stop the blame game and get the nation’s economy out of recession as it is their responsibility.

2. We are totally against the sell of any Nation's oil assets as it is not in the interest of Nigerians and Nigeria.

3. However, we welcome the sales of asset like NITEL, Ajaokuta Steel Company among others with the condition that it will only be sold to Nigerians. NANS support only the sell of non-performing assets so that Nigerian entrepreneurs can turn them around and create employment to the vast unemployed youths in the country.

4. Desperate time calls for desperate measures, we call on our public office holders to in the interest of Nigeria forfeit some of their allowances considering the challenges facing the country.

5. We demand for legislation making it an offense for any employer not to pay her employee(s) after 30 working days. The payment of Salaries to Civil Servants across the Nigeria federation must become a topmost priority for state governors.

Lastly, the Aruna Kadiri-led NANS want to seize this opportunity to reiterate its committment to struggle for the greater interest of Nigerian students both at home and abroad. Also, we want to thank Nigerian students, OUR ONLY MASTER once again for their unending support. We believe with your support we will attain greater heights as we are bent on giving Nigerian students a purposeful leadership as enshrined in our campaign manifesto. The right of every Nigerian Student remains sacrosanct as it's not subject to negotiations.

Aluta Continua! Victoria Acerta!!

Signed:
Akolo Raymond Eggon, SSA on Media & Publicity To NANS President, Comr. Aruna Kadiri

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS has joined other concerned individuals and groups appealing to the Niger Delta Avengers to lay down their arms in the interest of the region.

This appeal was contained in a statement issued by its President Comr. Aruna Kadiri after an engagement meeting held on Saturday 24th September, under the auspices of the Initiative for Peace, Governance & Development of the Niger, in a bid to restore normalcy to the region.

Aruna called on the armed youths to embrace peace trusting that the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari will attend to needs of the Niger Delta People.

The apex students body has resolved as follows:

1. NANS supports the Niger Delta Peace And Development Initiative.

2. Commends the organizers especially the Honourable Minister for Transportation Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, HE Obong Victor Attah, the Ag. MD of NDDC Mrs Ibim Seminitari and a host of other well-meaning Sons and Daughters of the Region.

3. Enjoin every Patriotic Niger Deltan to support and contribute to success of the initiative.

4. Call on armed Youths of the Region to lay down their arms trusting that the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari will attend to needs of the Niger Delta People.

5. Condemn the bombing of pipe-lines as it is not only a loss to the nation's economy but also destroys further the environment.

6. Call on fellow Youths to resist being used by self-seeking Elders of the Region in destroying our future.

Lastly, NANS has stated its readiness to partner with the Federal Government and other concerned organizations to restore lasting peace in Niger Delta and beyond.

Press Release
September 27th, 2016

Proposed Nation's Asset Sales: Our Stand -NANS

While the President Muhammadu Buhari led government was still dilly-dallying on what to do about the biting effect of the bad economy on the lives of the Nigerian people, a suggestion which shook the nation to its foundation and elicited cacophony of reactions from Nigerians came from successful businessman and Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote that choice Assets be put on sale to raise funds to run the economy.

According to Dangote, “the federal government will do well to sell off the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas company NLNG as well as other dormant but huge capital generating sectors and invest the proceeds back into the economy to bring Nigeria out of its current recession before the end of the fourth quarter”.

Backing Aliko Dangote on oil asset sales is Nigerian Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki. To get the nation’s economy out of recession, Saraki urged government to raise capital from oil asset sales to shore up the nation’s foreign reserve.

However, by the virtue of section 44 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, “the nation's natural resources shall be held in trust for the Nigerian people by the federal government”. It is therefore so disheartening that one would have expected Senators who sworn to protect the constitution to unanimously kick against the suggestion to sell nation's asset to a few people, but for selfish considerations a few legislators who may be queuing up to participate in the purchase of the nation's assets are not prepared to defend the constitution.

When the issue of economic recession was tabled for debate before the senate, majority of them openly rejected the proposal, on the premise that those pushing for it are only interested in pauperising the nation further. For example, the Deputy president of the senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu stoically opposed the suggestion; “assets from our oil investment specifically for quick capital in tackling the recession will put the country in critical economic situation”. He further stated that if precaution is not taken, it will not be fair to our country in the next generation.

From inception, NANS has stood and fought for justice, good governance and the rule of law. And after wide consultations, the National Association of Nigerian Students, (NANS), an umbrella body of all students’ organizations and a major stakeholder in the Nigeria' project, has resolved as follows;

1. First and foremost, the federal government should as a matter of urgency stop the blame game and get the nation’s economy out of recession as it is their responsibility.

2. We are totally against the sell of any Nation's oil assets as it is not in the interest of Nigerians and Nigeria.

3. However, we welcome the sales of asset like NITEL, Ajaokuta Steel Company among others with the condition that it will only be sold to Nigerians. NANS support only the sell of non-performing assets so that Nigerian entrepreneurs can turn them around and create employment to the vast unemployed youths in the country.

4. Desperate time calls for desperate measures, we call on our public office holders to in the interest of Nigeria forfeit some of their allowances considering the challenges facing the country.

5. We demand for legislation making it an offense for any employer not to pay her employee(s) after 30 working days. The payment of Salaries to Civil Servants across the Nigeria federation must become a topmost priority for state governors.

Lastly, the Aruna Kadiri-led NANS want to seize this opportunity to reiterate its committment to struggle for the greater interest of Nigerian students both at home and abroad. Also, we want to thank Nigerian students, OUR ONLY MASTER once again for their unending support. We believe with your support we will attain greater heights as we are bent on giving Nigerian students a purposeful leadership as enshrined in our campaign manifesto. The right of every Nigerian Student remains sacrosanct as it's not subject to negotiations.

Aluta Continua! Victoria Acerta!!

Signed:
Akolo Raymond Eggon, SSA on Media & Publicity To NANS President, Comr. Aruna Kadiri