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It was an ecstatic moment of joy as the Conglomerate of Student leaders from Kogi West Comprising of Ijumu, Kabba-Bunu, Lokoja, Kogi, Mopamuro, Yagba West and Yagba East LGAs met with the Senator Representing Kogi West at the Red Chamber, National Assembly, Distinguished Senator Smart Adeyemi (CON).
Hon Bode Adeyemi who led the past and present Student’s Union leaders across the 7 Local Government Areas gave an opening remarks by Commending the tremendous efforts of the Senator for his performance in the 6th and 7th senate, and also in the current 9th Senate.
He equally lauded the good record of cordial relationship the Senator has with the people of Kogi West and how he has been able to project the Constituency well in and outside the Red Chamber. He said the Scholarship Scheme was done by the Senator in the past where he dolled out 550 slot across Kogi West which was worth millions of naira, and now the Senator in his magnanimous gesture is replicating same innovative Programme, this he said is a rare Privileged that should not be taken for granted.
Hon Bode Adeyemi said the Senator Adeyemi’s level of accessibility is uncommon and this is because of his commitment and dedication and that is why the Senator has brought the Students Union leaders across the Senatorial District to seek for their opinions as regards the modalities and structure to be adopted for the effective implementation of the Scholarship Scheme.
The Senator noted in his speech that they were all invited to have Cordial interaction and familiarisation with him as he was voted to represent their yearnings and aspirations. Also, that he came with a positive mindset to add value towards making Nigeria a better place.
Senator Smart said he is interfacing with the students directly to gather their opinion on the approach to the Scholarship for effective delivery of the programme
He then urged the students to avoid being used as a negative tool in the hands of politicians to constitute nuisance and become rascals, as amongst them he is optimistic there are Senators, Honourable Members and professionals in various fields.
He advised them to be focused, result oriented and uphold their integrity with utmost desire and passion and not to engage in any activity that could tarnish their images.
The Senator also said he believes in the Philosophy of egalitarianism, fairness and justice irrespective of tribe and religion.
In the Senator’s statement, he recalled that he sponsored more than 400 muslims to Mecca and also more than 430 to Jerusalem during his previous tenure.
The Senator said after the disbursement of the scholarship, unfailingly by February/March he will commence the Women Empowerment programme too.
The Senator stressed the need to be gender sensitive as the Executive Governor of Kogi State has set an unprecedented template on gender matters.
Senator Smart Adeyemi said there will be expansion of the scheme and a committee should be set up to ensure the fair distribution of the Scholarship and that the distribution should not be based on sentiment, he emphasized that the gesture is targeted at the less privileged students and those undertaking cost intensive Courses.
While talking about the multi million naira scholarship project, the Senator said it will be an annual programme.
He also instructed that the Scholarship programme be extended to the non indigenes who are residents of Kogi West.
In Conclusion, a 15 and 9 Man Committees were setup respectively for the Selection Committee and Central Implementation Committee respectively, with membership cutting across all the three Federal Constituencies and 7 LGAs.
In attendance was one of the core loyalists of the Senator, Engr Kayode Adegbayo (Olomo) Who also contributed immensely towards how the Scholarship Program should be handled.
Signed:
Adeleye Oluwafemi Godwin,
SA Media to Distinguished Senator Smart Adeyemi (CON), NASS- ABUJA.
20th November, 2020
