Abuja, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has broadened the reach of the Rice palliative initiative to benefit the Presidents of Student Union Governments in each of Nigeria’s 36 states, as well as in the Federal Capital Territory.
The rice distribution to the Presidents of the Student Union Government (SUG) was coordinated through the office of the Special Adviser on Student Engagement to the President, Asefon Sunday.
While sharing rice with students in Abuja on Tuesday, Asefon expressed that this initiative is part of the President’s ongoing support for both students and the local community. He highlighted the importance of this effort, especially in December 2024, when the President extended palliative assistance to student leaders for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
He said, “Today, the SUG Presidents across the Federation, by God’s grace, will also receive their rice from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a man who understands the importance of students as leaders not only of tomorrow but also of today.
“The President gave them the rice, but unfortunately, the rice arrived in Abuja very late, around December 28th last year. So, this year, we thought it wise to ask them to come to Abuja so that we could personally hand over the rice to them. We selected two SUG Presidents from each zone to represent them and manage the distribution of the palliative.
“It has never happened in the history of this country that the President will reach out to stakeholders and student leaders, particularly SUG Presidents, in December. This is the first time it’s happening.
“This will be a time for Nigerian youth and students to reflect and express their thoughts while engaging with the government. The students and youth of this country are now feeling the presence of the government and experiencing its impact.
“We were informed that all SUG Presidents across the 36 states of the nation should come and receive rice, a gesture from the President.
“We are sincerely appreciative and commend him for these initiatives, starting with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and now the Rice Initiative. We are looking forward to more.”