On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, the Northern Governors Wife’s Forum (NGWF) convened a landmark meeting at the Gombe State Government House Conference Hall. The session, chaired by the First Lady of Gombe State, Dr. Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya, brought together the spouses of all Northern governors and the Chairperson of the Nigeria Governor’s Spouses Forum, Ambassador Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq.
The meeting, which began at 11:00 AM, featured an insightful presentation by the NELFUND team led by the Executive Director of Operations, Mr. Mustapha Iyal. The detailed briefing highlighted NELFUND’s mission to alleviate poverty and foster educational and economic opportunities for underprivileged Nigerians.
Mr. Mustapha Iyal eloquently explained the genesis of NELFUND, its funding strategies, and the transformative benefits it promises to deliver. He underscored the organization’s potential to significantly impact the lives of ordinary Nigerians, especially in Northern regions plagued by high illiteracy and unemployment rates.
The forum participants were deeply engaged, posing pertinent questions to ensure the initiative’s success. Hajiya Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed, First Lady of Bauchi State, lauded the timely establishment of NELFUND. She highlighted her extensive work in education through her role as a chancellor at an open university and her foundation, Almuhibba Foundation, which provides scholarships and interventions. She inquired about collaboration opportunities to maximize the benefit for their communities.
Similarly, Hajiya Lami Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, First Lady of Adamawa State, raised concerns about ensuring that students who receive loans remain enrolled and do not drop out.
In response, Mr. Mustapha Iyal emphasized the critical role of state-level sensitization and the importance of collaboration with the forum to raise awareness among indigent students about available educational opportunities. This, he assured, would help maintain student enrollment and ensure the success of the program.
This meeting marks a significant step towards realizing the NGWF’s commitment to enhancing educational and economic prospects in Northern Nigeria. The partnership with NELFUND stands as a beacon of hope, promising to uplift countless lives through education and financial support.
