NAKOSS Hails Ododo for Evacuating 700 Kogi Students from Jos, Urges Prompt Bursary Payment
NAKOSS praises Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for evacuating nearly 700 Kogi students from Jos crisis, calls for timely bursary disbursement and highlights youth-focused initiatives.
LOKOJA, KOGI STATE
The National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS) has commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for the swift evacuation of nearly 700 Kogi students from the University of Jos and surrounding areas following recent security challenges in Plateau State.
Addressing journalists, the National President of NAKOSS, Sunday Adeola Simon, described the intervention as a decisive and compassionate response that safeguarded the lives and future of affected students.
He said the security situation in parts of Jos had left many Kogi students in fear and uncertainty, with parents and guardians deeply concerned about their safety. However, he noted that the prompt action taken by the Kogi State Government helped to ease tensions and prevent potential harm.
According to him, the governor acted without delay upon receiving appeals from the student body, immediately approving the evacuation and providing the necessary support for its execution.
“Close to 700 Kogi State students were successfully evacuated. Seven hundred lives protected, seven hundred futures preserved, and seven hundred families relieved,” he stated.
Simon described the operation as more than a routine evacuation, noting that it reflected a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to the welfare of Kogi indigenes. He added that the move demonstrated that the state government places high value on the lives of its students, regardless of their location.
Beyond the evacuation, NAKOSS also acknowledged the state government’s bursary programme, describing it as a critical support system for students across Kogi State. The association disclosed that over 8,000 students benefited from the first phase of the bursary scheme, while more than 20,000 students are expected to benefit from the second phase.
The student body, however, raised concerns over delays in the disbursement of bursary funds, noting that many beneficiaries depend on the support to sustain their academic pursuits. While expressing confidence in the administration’s responsiveness, the association appealed for prompt release of the funds to ensure that students are not adversely affected.
The NAKOSS leadership further highlighted other youth-focused initiatives of the Ododo administration, including programmes on skill acquisition, student health insurance, sponsorship opportunities for overseas education, and the provision of monthly subventions to student bodies within the state.
Simon described the relationship between the state government and student organisations as cordial and productive, adding that such collaboration has contributed to advancing the interests of students.
He said the administration’s policies and interventions have boosted confidence among students and reassured parents of the government’s commitment to education and youth development.
The association concluded by passing a vote of confidence on Governor Ododo’s leadership, commending his efforts in prioritising the safety, welfare, and future of Kogi students. It also offered prayers for continued wisdom and strength for the governor in steering the affairs of the state.