President Tinubu Distributes Palliative Support to SUG Presidents

President Bola Tinubu has extended a special palliative initiative to the Student Union Government (SUG) Presidents across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, providing rice as part of his ongoing support to students and the broader community.

The distribution was overseen by Asefon Sunday, the Special Adviser to the President on Student Engagement, who spoke during the handover in Abuja on Tuesday. Asefon explained that the gesture was a follow-up to the President’s previous palliative distribution for Christmas and the New Year in December 2024.

“We are here today to distribute rice to the SUG Presidents, as part of the President’s recognition of the role students play as leaders today, not just in the future,” Asefon said.

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The rice had initially arrived late in December 2024, and the distribution was delayed until this year. In a unique move, two SUG Presidents from each region were selected to manage the distribution across the country. Asefon highlighted that this initiative was a historic first, marking the President’s direct outreach to student leaders during the festive season.

In 2024, Asefon further assured students of more impactful initiatives from the government. “This is a moment for the youth and students of Nigeria to engage with the government, as they experience the tangible benefits of its policies,” he said.

Fahad Abdullahi, the SUG President of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, expressed gratitude for the President’s initiatives. He noted that the rice gesture, alongside the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, demonstrated a strong commitment to improving student welfare and development.

“We sincerely appreciate the President and his team for this initiative, and we look forward to more impactful programs for students,” Abdullahi said.