By Sunday Apah
A delegation from the South-South National Students Management Council (NSMC) recently visited former Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, to commend his contributions to student welfare and educational development during his tenure.
The visit was led by Comrade Okoh Ezekiel Oghenetega, Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor, and Hon. Kelvin Enyam, Special Assistant on Student Affairs to the Cross River State Governor.
The council expressed gratitude for Dr. Okowa’s impactful policies, which have continued to benefit students across Delta State and beyond.
In response, Dr. Okowa urged Nigerian students to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, citing the administration’s performance and its commitment to youth and education.
Dr. Okowa highlighted President Tinubu’s efforts to improve student welfare, including educational infrastructure upgrades and the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
He encouraged South-South students to take advantage of the student loan scheme, noting that registration rates in the region remain lower than in other parts of the country.
The former governor also emphasized the importance of student leadership and institutional engagement.
He advised the NSMC to strengthen its presence on campuses, foster partnerships with educational institutions, and encourage students to obtain Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to participate actively in elections.
Dr. Okowa cautioned against the spread of misinformation and urged students to verify news before sharing it.
He called for continuous civic education to promote responsible citizenship, entrepreneurship, and the prevention of social vices like drug abuse in academic environments.
On the economy, Dr. Okowa praised President Tinubu’s reforms, which he said have boosted federal revenue and accelerated infrastructure development.
He expressed confidence in Nigerian students as catalysts for national progress and urged the NSMC leadership to uphold integrity while mobilizing students for active civic engagement.
The delegation pledged to disseminate Dr. Okowa’s message across student networks in the South-South region.
Also present at the meeting were student affairs representatives from Bayelsa, Edo, Akwa Ibom, and Delta States, as well as officials from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
