Introduction to the Sensitisation Campaign
The Federal Government has unveiled a sensitisation campaign to highlight the achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s two years in office. Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, inaugurated the exercise in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Tinubu Administration’s Mid-Term Report.”
Campaign Objective and Scope
Represented by the Head of the Federal Information Centre, Port Harcourt, Mr Gabriel Obokuru, Idris stated that the Federal Government had made significant investments in the South-South in the past two years. He explained that the ministry organised the campaign to acquaint Nigerians in the South-South with the policies and programmes of the Federal Government relating to their region. The President Tinubu-led administration has really touched many areas in the South-South zone with various programmes and projects, notably in Edo and Delta States as well as in other states.
Key Achievements and Programmes
Idris cited the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) programmes as initiatives that had benefitted thousands of citizens in the South-South. The administration has initiated and completed some programmes to address the people’s needs in the past two years, with others still in progress. Dr Helen Nsirim, Information and Public Relations Officer in the ministry, highlighted the Federal Government’s key achievements in the South-South region during the period. She revealed that N500 million had been disbursed to 1,797 farmers in Edo to support their agribusiness under the LIFE-ND programme.
LIFE-ND Programme Details
The LIFE-ND programme is jointly financed by the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), the Federal Government, and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Youths, women-headed households, and persons with disabilities are trained and equipped with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to thrive in the agricultural sector. The programme has also been implemented in eight other states in the region, including Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
Other Notable Programmes and Infrastructure Developments
Other programmes included the Student Loan Scheme, Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, the Renewed Hope Housing Scheme, and the Bank of Industry low-interest loans to micro-enterprises. The government has also embarked on the construction of the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, which spans Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States. In just two years, the Tinubu-led administration has delivered tangible infrastructure improvements, as well as reforms that have touched lives in the South-South region.
NELFUND and Its Benefits
A panel session discussed the topic: “Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) Beneficiaries in Rivers State: Their Journey So Far and the Genuineness of the Programme.” Prof. Sunny Orike, Head ICT and Desk Officer of NELFUND in the Rivers State University, expressed concern over the low number of subscribers to the loan. He explained that all Nigerian students were eligible for the zero-interest loan, with repayment scheduled to commence two years after graduation and securing employment. Interested students can apply for the loan by visiting the NELFUND website.
Conclusion
The sensitisation campaign highlights the significant investments and achievements of the Federal Government in the South-South region during President Bola Tinubu’s two years in office. The various programmes and infrastructure developments aim to improve the lives of citizens in the region. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities provided by these programmes to transform their lives and communities.
FAQs
- What is the theme of the sensitisation campaign?
The theme of the sensitisation campaign is “Tinubu Administration’s Mid-Term Report.” - What are the key programmes mentioned in the campaign?
The key programmes mentioned include the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprise – Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). - How can students apply for the NELFUND loan?
Interested students can apply for the loan by visiting the NELFUND website. - What is the scope of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project?
The project spans Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States. - What are the benefits of the LIFE-ND programme?
The programme trains and equips youths, women-headed households, and persons with disabilities with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to thrive in the agricultural sector.
