₦airaland Forum

President Bola Tinubu has met with Governor Siminalayi Fubara, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly Martins Amaewhule and members of the assembly.

Some university students who recently benefitted from the N20,000 stipend paid by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund have begun celebrating the receipt of the money.

While some took to social media to share their surprise, others narrated how they spent the money on foodstuffs. A few said it took the burden of care off their parents.

Financial constraint is a major challenge facing many students of public tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

The lack of funds has kept many young people out of school, as their parents or guardians cannot afford to sponsor their tertiary education.

A total of 20,371 students from six tertiary institutions were said to have been paid a sum of N20,000 each for their July stipends.

The institutions said to have benefitted from the disbursement are Bayero University, Kano State; Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State; University of Ilorin, Kwara State; University of Benin, Edo State; University of Ibadan, Oyo State; and University of Maiduguri, Borno State.

NELFUND started the disbursement of the stipends to the students, whose school fees had already been paid by the agency, on August 5, 2024.

A 300-level student of the Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan, Emmanuel John, told Sunday PUNCH he did not believe the money would be paid when he applied for it.

He said, “I applied for N240,000, to be disbursed as N20,00 monthly. I plan to use it to get foodstuffs monthly, and clear other bills.

“I was excited to get the money, because I initially thought it was going to be one of the several failed promises from the government.

“This will definitely ease the burden on my parents, as I will disturb them less.”

An Accounting student of the University of Maiduguri, Muhammed Buba, said the money came to him as a surprise, adding that he went to the market to get foodstuffs immediately after receiving the money.

He said, “I am not financially buoyant, so I get help from my friends and some other people who support my education.

“I received the money after coming back from school. I had earlier got some money from my parents, but the high cost of living and inflation didn’t allow me to get enough foodstuffs with the money. What I got could not last me for a month.

“I was thinking of how I would manage the little foodstuffs I had for a month when I received the N20,000 stipend from NELFUND. I was excited and rushed to market to buy more foodstuffs. I spent N15,000 on foodstuff, and saved N5000 to get some other things I might need.”

A student of the Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, Malik Ibrahim, said upon getting the stipend, he celebrated with his friends.

He said, “I thought it was a scam alert when I received the message. I had just N100 in my account. When I checked my bank app and saw a balance of N20,100, and saw that the payment was from NELFUND, I was so happy, and could not contain my joy.

“I made a screenshot of the alert and posted it on my faculty’s WhatsApp group. Some other people acknowledged the payment as well. We went to school the following day to celebrate spending N1000 each. We declared that it was NELFUND we were spending.

“The money will take care of my transportation fare for this month. I appreciate Mr President for this.”

An excited student of the University of Maiduguri, Mudassir Muhammad, wrote on his X handle, “I don’t know why Nigerians still think that NELFUND is lying about the disbursement to certain institutions. I am from UNIMAID. I applied and received the money two days ago.”

Yet X user, @Absanchh, wrote, “I received mine too. No doubt, it meant a lot to me and I’m grateful to NELFUND and the president.”

Acknowledging the payment of the N20,000, another student of the University of Ibadan, Taiwo Egbeyemi, wrote “I have received my N20,000 upkeep.”

In a similar vein, a student of the Federal University of Dutsin-Ma, Tukur Muhammad, said, “I received my upkeep loan from NELFUND. I am really happy because the money will help me to carry out my academic activities.”

Our correspondent, however, learnt that there were complaints from some students that they did not get any payment.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the Fund’s Director of Corporate Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said some of the students had not been verified and approved.

Oluwatuyi said, “Not all students from the six institutions were paid because some of them have not yet been verified and approved. Some registered earlier than others. The students who have not been paid will receive their payments as soon as they are verified and approved.

“The six institutions were selected based on their academic calendars. They are all in their first semesters. More disbursements will be made to other institutions in the coming days. The N20,00 is also part of the loan; it is not a grant.”

Reacting to the development, the Academic Staff Union of Universities questioned why NELFUND could not disburse the loan to the universities simultaneously.

The union re-emphasised its opposition to it, saying it did not support the loan.

Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the National President of ASUU, Emmanuel Osodeke, said, “I have not seen any student who received the money in my university. In Nigeria today, there are almost 100 public universities, and they are giving how many of them? Let us see what happens after all the universities have been paid.

“Why couldn’t NELFUND pay all the universities when all of them applied at the same time? We don’t know what is happening.

“As a union, we have said we are not in support of the loan. We are not even talking about the immediate effect; we are talking about the long-term effect.

“As a union of intellectuals, we look at the long-term, not the immediate. A student gets a loan and by the time they graduate, they have a debt of about N1m hanging on their necks, when they are not even sure of when they will get jobs. That’s what we are talking about.”

The Senate President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Akinteye Babatunde, said the loan would reduce the financial pressure on the beneficiaries and their parents.

“We hope that the students will pay the loan when it’s time to pay back so that others coming behind can also benefit from it. It will surely ease the financial burden on the students and their parents,” he said.

Poland’s foreign ministry is seeking the release of seven Poles – a group of six students and a lecturer from the University of Warsaw – who were detained amid ongoing protests in Nigeria. It has also denied reports in international media that the group were displaying Russian flags when they were detained.

On Wednesday, outlets including Reuters and the Associated Press (AP) reported, citing the Nigerian authorities, that seven Polish nationals had been detained in the northern state of Kano. The episode happened amid protests by hundreds of thousands of Nigerians over the cost of living.

AP cited a spokesman for the Nigerian security services saying that the group was detained “because of where they were found during the protests and for displaying foreign flags”. Both AP and Reuters claimed that the flags were Russian. Some of the protesters in Nigeria have been seen waving Russian flags.


However, Polish deputy foreign minister Andrzej Szejna told the Polish Press Agency (PAP) that the Poles “were not carrying any flags, but were taking photos, it seems”.

“Polish consular services are seeking their release; they are in contact with both the Nigerian authorities and the students’ families,” he added.

In a separate statement, Poland’s foreign ministry said that it was “establishing the exact circumstances of the incident with the local authorities in order to support our citizens”. It is also in contact with the families of those who have been detained.


The ministry noted that the group was made up of students and a lecturer. The University of Warsaw issued its own statement confirming that they were from its Faculty of Oriental Studies.

“It has been determined that their going out at night outside their accommodation was considered by the local police to be a violation of local law,” wrote the university, which said it is working alongside the diplomatic service to support the group and secure their release.

epainos:
Exactly!

With Akpabio in that senate...I see restructuring a real possibility. I think Igbos will eventually be grateful to the southwest if this is done. Honestly....let us be real...Nigeria cannot be united. How? It is not possible. Let the core north unite with Niger and Chad, who are their brothers. The yorubas feel comfortable more with Benin Republic unification. Calabar will link more with Cameroon. While Igbos will be unique again in their world. The British damaged many things.

As soon as Tinubu is able to restructure everything, believe me....it will not take 20 years for Nigeria to break away finally.

So, let us all put violence aside. Everyone wants to leave Nigeria. The North too have seen what agriculture can give them. Of course, they are going to miss gas and oil from the south, but they are getting ready. This is why I think Tinubu is right by giving them the ministry of livestock. Let them develop that and see the dividends. If I were Tinubu, I would do the same. I would develop their heritage for them so they can let others go.

But I keep telling farmers...livestock is not about the animals, but grasses. Livestock farmers are first grasses and legumes farmers. This is the mistake Nigeria is making. As long as these herdsmen are not taught how to produce organic grasses and legumes, they will keep failing. Growing organically is the way. When cattle sees fresh cassava plants, lol....say e Don go. Why? Dem no dey use fertilizer. Believe me...cattle will consume cassava farm before corn farm. This is what I know cos I have seen it real life.

So, let us all relax. Let them keep looting. If Nigeria is not finished, we won't have new nations. So...I don't cry with the hardship going on. How can you sustain a nation with the corruption going on? No way. And we close eyes when our tribe is looting. Lol. Nigeri must die...and there will be many casualties.

Hunger has just started. Believe me. Real hunger is coming. That time that senators will have nothing to loot again is the time we will start building this nation. The time that Abuja work will be volunteers doing it. All looters will take off from Naija and lavish their wealth abroad. Let them go. They will leave the nation in ruin like Jerusalem. Then, Nahemiahs will return to start building fractions of Nigeria. It will not be built as Nigeria again but as nations from it. Then, the people who survive the hardship will start living again.

How do you survive this hardship?
Go buy a minimum of a plot of land and install a borehole there. Erect a two bedroom flat. It's better to have 6 plots of land. Then, start making your soil fertile. Unfortunately, most people have forgotten about farming. Anyway....with manure, green and brown materials, compost with good microorganisms can be made. Go learn how to do this. It is gold. Build your soil structure.....and grow your food.

Let me give you an example ...grow the following every year...possible on 6 plots of land:
200 tubers of yam
25 plantain plants
Some tubers of cassava to make garri and fufu
Grow a plot of corn like 3 times to get enough corn powder and starch
100 chickens, 10 layers to produce eggs or ducks, if you have extra land...3 to 5 Nigerian goats for milk, rabbits for meat, etc.
Enough vegetables
Beans can be grown easily, too.

Believe me...6 plots of land is able to achieve this, and you will NEVER spend 1 naira on food again. This is practically possible.

Those who can achieve the above are the ones who will survive the hunger coming. No president can help you. Even let 20 of Tinubu unify with 100 of Obi and 15 of Atiku...Nigeria will NEVER recover. Nigeria is meant to fade away.

Will you survive the hardship coming? The ball is in your court.

Please, no one should start asking me to come start their farm. I have so much to do. I am preparing for the hardship coming like Joseph. So, carry your own cross. Mine is to preach the gospel. If you have land and you want guidance, I can show you the way. Show you where to start, how to do such. But forget it...you cannot pay me to set up for you cos you cannot pay me. Forget it. So, don't even think of asking me to come. I have received such requests many times, and I will keep ignoring them. That time when real hunger comes, you will regret playing "I am busy".

Good luck to everyone.

Konquest:
Recently too, I saw a video where Tinubu said he doesn't watch or follow Social Media anymore because of the insults he received during the election cycle and I was stunned and a little embarrassed because as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, such comments shouldn't emanate from him. Anybody that is responsible for deliberately pushing out fake videos and falsehoods about him with the intent to damage his reputation and mislead the public should be tracked and punished after appearing in any court of law. Period.



Cc: Goke7
I've included my response to you here as well to save time. Cheers.

Konquest:
The current Deputy-Governor of Kano State's comments were ABSOLUTELY reckless and he led a lot of people to start insulting Nuhu Ribadu. Reading the highly unfounded allegations against the NSA in this Vanguard article shows that Nuhu Ribadu was justified to ask for an apology in major media outlets or sue him for defamation in court.

I heard earlier today as well that the so-called Deputy-Governor of Kano State had apologized in the media for criminally defaming Nuhu Ribadu. So, this thread confirms it's VERACITY. The Deputy-Governor dude said he was MISLED into believing that Ribadu was behind the deployment of security men to protect Bayero. The dude himself misled a lot of people online and offline with his false accusations and this is the reason why I do NOT like commenting on UNVERIFIED public rumors because over 90 percent of them turn out to be false rumors and NOT true rumors!

The Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu too should have asked for an open apology from Atiku Abubakar for falsely accusing him of fueling the Emirate leadership quagmire in Kano State, but in his usual unwise and laid back manner in the last 10 years when it comes to dealing with his public image in terms of punishing criminally defamatory online and offline comments against him, he hasn't done so.

By
Tosin Oyediran


Atalanta BC secured their first-ever Europa League title with a stunning performance against Bayer Leverkusen, highlighted by a hat-trick from Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman.

This victory not only ended Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak but also marked Atalanta’s first goal and trophy in a European final on Wednesday night at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin.

The team claimed their first trophy in 61 years.

Lookman became the first player to score a hat-trick in a European final since 1975 to secure Atalanta’s first-ever continental trophy.


“One of the best nights of my life. Amazing performance from the team,” said Lookman.

“We’ve got to celebrate, we made history tonight.”

The goals from Lookman came at pivotal moments in the match—scoring in the 12th, 26th, and 75th minutes.

Europa League on its X account posted, “Lookman becomes the first player to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final.”

His exceptional performance was instrumental in leading Atalanta to this historic triumph against a Leverkusen team that had recently clinched the Bundesliga title and was a strong favourite heading into the game.

This win caps a remarkable season for Atalanta under coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who praised his team’s resilience and preparation leading up to the final.

Leverkusen, despite their impressive unbeaten run and recent domestic success, were unable to secure the treble, with this loss marking a significant setback just days before their German Cup final match.

Bayer Leverkusen, on the other hand, posted on its X, “Today just wasn’t the day. We are incredibly proud of our Europa League journey and all of our fans for taking it with us together.”

Bayer Leverkusen striker, Victor Boniface, has been named the winner of the 2023/24 Bundesliga Rookie of The Season for his instant impact in his debut season in the German topflight.

The Nigerian striker beat Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen, who has been impressive for Borussia Dortmund since joining in January, RB Leipzig Xavi Simons, also on loan from PSG and Hoffenheim forward Maximilian Beier.

“And the winner is Victor Boniface,” Bundesliga announced via X on Wednesday.

“Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface takes home the #BLRookie of the Season award from Sorare after making an instant impact to the Bundesliga — in which he won four Rookie of the Month trophies in a row. Congrats Victor!”


The Akure-born striker, who was also named in the Bundesliga team of the season, has been one of the propellers of Bayer Leverkusen’s push for their first title, which they achieved with five games to spare.

He has scored 13 goals and provided nine assists in 22 Bundesliga games. He was out for almost four months with an injury, which also saw him miss the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations for Nigeria.

He has 20 goals and 10 assists in 32 games across all competitions this season.


With the league officially ending on Saturday, they could set an unprecedented record of winning the league with an unbeaten record of 34 matches.

Currently, they have set a European record of 50 games unbeaten and could win a treble with the Europa League final coming up next Wednesday against Atalanta in Dublin as well as the DFB Pokal final against FC Kaiserslautern on May 25.

Thanks to his impressive run in Germany, he could also well be in the run for the African Player of The Year Award alongside compatriot Ademola Lookman who has also been incredible for Atalanta in the Serie A and Europe.

Osimhen received a huge amount of money after scoring against his Super Eagles teammate Maduka Okoye on Monday night.

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen will receive €125k (₦186m) after scoring against his countryman Maduka Okoye in Napoli’s 1-1 draw against Udinese on Monday night.

Osimhen grabbed the headlines for Napoli in a match that had another Nigerian stand out for Udinese.
The former Lille striker put the Neapolitans ahead in the 51st minute with a brilliant header from a Matteo Politano cross.

Victor Osimhen towers home a header against Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye in the Serie A.
Although Isaac Success’ finish in injury time denied Osimhen the winner and earned Udinese a precious point, the Chelsea target went home with €125k.

Before the match, Naples news outlet, Napoli Oniline had revealed that Osimhen would receive €125k bonus if he scored 15 league goals this season.

The Nigerian striker was on 14 going into the match against The Little Zebras, with his header in the match taking his league tally to 15.

As a result, Osimhen earned €125k in bonus for scoring 15 league goals this season as stipulated in his contract.

Osimhen’s 15 league goals in 23 games this season are impressive, even though he has not been able to match the 26 he scored to fire Napoli to the title last season. The 25-year-old missed a major part of the season after helping Nigeria reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. But despite missing a few games due to international commitments and injury, he is on course to have his second-best year in Naples.

kendrick9:
Boniface important than Wirtz🤡🤡

kendrick9:
Wrong.
He's not the main man.
Wirtz is the crown jewel of that team and the full backs are very important too. Not forgetting Xhaka too.

Thryphosa:
Nice one Victor, despite being out of play for 4 months, he still had 20 goals. That's a good stat.

kendrick9:
He barely starts. Mostly comes on as a sub

Victor Boniface has been rewarded by the fans for a splendid first season in the Bundesliga with selection into the prestigious Bundesliga Team of the Season.


Victor Boniface one of six Leverkusen stars voted by the fans
The Super Eagles striker has shone for Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen wining machine, gathering 20 goal contributions despite being injured for almost four months.

Boniface has been named by the fans alongside six other Leverkusen players on account of their heroics this season.


Leading the attack in the Team of the Season is England skipper Harry Kane, flanked by Victor Boniface and Serhou Guirassy on the left and right respectively.


For the midfield trio, Leverkusen have two representatives in Granit Xhaka and elite play-maker Florian Wirtz, with Jamal Musiala completing the trio.

For the defence line, Leverkusen’s Alex Grimaldo, Jeremie Frimpong and defender Tah were too good to be dropped, with Stuttgart’s Anton also making the cut.

Gregor Kobel of Borussia Dortmund is the goalkeeper.

Full Bundesliga Team of Season:

Forwards: Victor Boniface, Harry Kane, Serhou Guirassy.


Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala

Defenders: Alex Grimaldo, Jeremie Frimpong, Tah, Anton.

Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel

kings59:
A mother is the subject, her daughter is the object, because = is the emphasis, she was drunk was the reason for the action.

Her daughter was drunk.

He threw the fruit away because it was bad.

nairalanda1:
Plumber is the most annoying of the lot. Is it Plummer or plumBer....?

pimplucious:
How do you spell NEMONIA as PENUMONIA? Them no correct and he no make sense