By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
The National Union of Bauchi State Students (NUBASS) has strongly condemned what it described as the misleading and politically influenced statement issued by the Senate President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) against Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, son of Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.
Addressing a Press Conference at the NUJ Press Center on Thursday, NUBASS, through Spokespersons to the NUBASS National President, Saleh Ibrahim Saleh stated that, “Their attempt to twist his well-meaning remarks on Seyi Tinubu’s so-called philanthropic efforts is nothing more than an intentional misrepresentation designed to mislead the public.”
According to him, “Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed raised a valid and fundamental concern- governance should not be replaced by politically motivated handouts. Nigeria’s youths
need sustainable solutions, not temporary distractions.”
While addressing the falsehoods peddled by NANS, NUBASS stressed that philanthropy should complement Governance, not substitute It, contrary to NANS’ claims, Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed did not criticize
philanthropy, rather, he rightly questioned the exploitation of philanthropy as a
political branding tool.
It stressed that, “The real problem in Nigeria is not a lack of individual generosity but the failure of government structures to provide lasting solutions.
Handing out cooked food on the streets, as Seyi Tinubu did, is not an
empowerment programme -it is a temporary show that does nothing to change the economic reality of the people.”
According to NUBASS,”True philanthropy should aim to build capacity, provide long-term support, and uplift communities permanently.”
It stressed that Governor Bala Mohammed’s Administration has delivered on Youths Empowerment,
NANS’ question-“How many youths has Bala Mohammed empowered?”-only
exposes their ignorance or deliberate misinformation.
It stressed that the facts speak for
themselves as Bauchi State has invested in ICT development, innovation hubs, and
business incubation centers to provide young people with digital and
entrepreneurial skills.
It added that over 20,000 youths have benefited from economic empowerment programs, including vocational training and business startup capital while the Bauchi Youth and Women Economic Empowerment Program has disbursed interest-free loans to entrepreneurs, ensuring self-sufficiency rather than dependence.
“These are tangible policies far beyond the performative charity that NANS is
defending. Seyi Tinubu’s failed “Philanthropy” must be called out. It is ridiculous for NANS to applaud a son of a sitting President for distributing cooked food to hungry citizens as though that is a meaningful contribution to youth
empowerment. What exactly does this achieve?” it stated.
According to NUBASS, “It does not create jobs.It does not provide capital for businesses.It does not give young people skills or opportunities. A country’s future cannot be built on one-time food distribution. The Youths need sustainable empowerm ent rough business capital, education, and long-term employment opportunities.”
It adddd that,”The Double Standards of NANS. Instead of questioning why Nigeria’s resources are not being directed into structured youth programs, NANS has chosen to attack Shamsuddeen Bala
Mohammed-a private citizen who has done more for young people than many
government officials.”
NUBASS stressed that,”Where was NANS when: ASUU was on strike for months, delaying the education of thousands?
Public universities increased tuition fees, making education unaffordable Graduates were left unemployed with no concrete job creation plans from the
federal government?”
“Rather than tackling these real issues, NANS has become a mouthpiece for
political figures, ignoring the real struggles of Nigerian students,” It added.
On Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed’s contributions to Youths development, it stated that, “Unlike Seyi Tinubu’s publicity-driven gestures, Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed has been making real, lasting contributions to young Nigerians.
He has consistently provided financial support for youths, personally giving
out capital ranging from N2.5 million to N5 million to youths.”
It added that,”Hundreds of students have benefitted from his educational support
initiatives, including tuition assistance and scholarship programs. He has empowered youth not with food handouts but with capital to start
businesses, ensuring that they become financially independent rather than
reliant on unsustainable donations.”
The National Union of Bauchi State Students (NUBASS) declared that it stands with Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed and firmly rejects the false narratives being pushed by NANS. It is
time for real youth empowerment, not empty philanthropy designed for media
attention.
“We challenge NANS to redirect its energy towards fighting for the interests of Nigerian students rather than acting as a public relations unit for political figures. The Youths of Nigeria need business opportunities, education, and employment, not temporary publicity stunts disguised as charity,” It concluded.
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