Governor Announces Imminent Resumption of Bursary, Scholarship Payments
By James Sani
The newly reconstituted leadership of the National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS) has assumed office with a charge from the Kogi State Government to make unity, accountability, academic excellence and responsible representation the defining principles of its administration.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, gave the charge at the inauguration of the new NAKOSS executives in Lokoja, urging them to see their election not merely as an opportunity for student leadership but as a responsibility to protect the interests, dignity and aspirations of Kogi students.
Represented at the occasion by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aridajo Monday Anyebe, Governor Ododo challenged the new executives to become worthy ambassadors of their respective institutions and Kogi State.
He urged the leadership to build an inclusive association in which members would have a voice and a meaningful stake in its activities, stressing the importance of collective leadership in advancing the welfare and development of the student body.
The Governor specifically charged the executives to involve members in the day-to-day affairs of the association while mobilising constructive support and cooperation for the programmes and policies of the state government.
In a development expected to provide relief to students and their families, Governor Ododo also announced that the state government would soon commence the payment of bursaries and scholarships to students of higher institutions.
He said the initiative was part of the administration’s broader efforts to reduce the financial pressures confronting students and strengthen access to quality education.
Governor Ododo commended delegates who participated in the NAKOSS conference for what he described as their maturity and peaceful conduct throughout the processes that produced the new leadership.
He congratulated the newly elected President, Comrade Isiaka Usman Amoto, and other executives, urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them by the students.
Beyond student politics, the Governor charged the new leaders to remain focused on their primary responsibility as students, urging them to take their academic pursuits seriously, work hard for excellence, compete for academic prizes and cultivate characters capable of bringing honour to themselves, their families and Kogi State.
Responding, the newly inaugurated NAKOSS President, Comrade Isiaka Usman Amoto, expressed appreciation to the delegates for entrusting him with the leadership of the association for the next one year.
Amoto pledged to justify the confidence placed in him, promising to approach his tenure with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to the collective interests of Kogi students.
He also expressed gratitude to individuals and groups who supported his aspiration, prayed for him, believed in his vision and contributed to his emergence as president.
The NAKOSS President stressed that his victory should not be interpreted as a personal triumph, describing it instead as a victory for the entire student community of Kogi State.
«“It is a victory for unity, purposeful student leadership, inclusiveness, accountability, and the collective aspiration of Kogi State students to be heard, represented, supported, and empowered.”»
He pledged to build an administration capable of strengthening the bond among Kogi students while pursuing initiatives that would advance their welfare, representation and development.
The inauguration marks a new chapter in the affairs of NAKOSS, with the new leadership expected to translate its electoral mandate into concrete programmes capable of addressing the concerns of students across institutions within and outside the state.
