By TINA TIMOTHY

A group known as Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria (ELFON) has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila for approving the mobilization of students of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) for National Youth Service and for facilitating the students loan scheme.

In a statement on Monday, May 6, 2024, ELFON President, Hon. (Artist) Godstime Chukwubuikem Samuel also commended other members of Tinubu’s cabinet who made these approvals possible and promised to fully support the “successful implementation and expansion of the Student Loan Scheme, ensuring that it remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come.”

“The Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria (ELFON), a public interest group and non-partisan organization dedicated to nurturing and empowering the next generation of leaders in Nigeria through advocacy, mentorship, and community engagement striving to drive positive socio-political change and foster inclusive development for a prosperous Nigeria at a press conference today in Abuja commends President Bola Tinubu for approving the mobilization of students of National Open University of Nigeria for National Youth Service. In the same vein, the President of ELFON, Godstime Chukwubuikem Samuel commended the chief of staff to the President; Femi Gbajabiamila for facilitating the students loan scheme.

“Commending Gbajabiamila for his constant roles in supporting Nigeria youths, the group prayed for God’s guidance and direction for Leaders to get it right for the good of Nigerians and Nigeria.

“Their press release emphasizes this:The Emerging Leaders Forum of Nigeria (ELFON) applauds the forward-thinking leadership of the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and President Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for their steadfast commitment to education and youth empowerment. Their approval of the innovative Student Loan Scheme marks a significant milestone.

“Special gratitude is extended to Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila for spearheading and facilitating this transformative initiative, which signifies a united effort to enhance access to higher education for Nigerian students, regardless of financial barriers. Through their advocacy for the Student Loan Scheme, these esteemed leaders showcase their dedication to nurturing the next wave of leaders and innovators, laying a solid foundation for a promising future for our nation..

“ELFON recognizes the profound impact that the Student Loan Scheme will have on bolstering educational opportunities and driving socio-economic advancement across Nigeria. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their exemplary leadership and commitment to youth empowerment.

“As advocates for progressive change and inclusive development, ELFON pledges its full support to the successful implementation and expansion of the Student Loan Scheme, ensuring that it remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come,” Samuel said.

Meanwhile, the group has strictly warned against fake news and cyberbullying aimed at disrespecting or discrediting public office holders, describing such actions as despicable and the misuse of freedom of speech.

He said: "Furthermore, we also want to use this opportunity to express our displeasure over recent incisive publications, cyber bullying and criminal defamatory publications against respected public office holders like the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Minister of state Defence; HE Bello Matawalle and the Chief of Staff to the President; HE Femi Gbajabiamila, it is despicable that even with the enormous efforts of this administration to put this country back on the pedestal of glory, some elements of discord have decided to misuse the freedom of speech we enjoy for their selfish desires, we do hereby counsel them to discard such thoughts and like in other democratic and civil climes, embrace dialogue on any issue with government.”

Samuel further expressed optimism in Nigeria and the leaders to bring the country to its lost glory, adding that “we will join hands to build a country we will all be proud of.”

“We are hopeful that Nigeria will be great again.

“We have faith in our country and our Leaders.

“We will join hands to build a country we will all be proud of,” he added.