The EleniyanCares Leadership Foundation (ELF) has awarded one-year scholarships to more than 100 students enrolled in tertiary institutions across Kaduna State as part of its youth development efforts.

Beneficiaries were selected from Kaduna State University (KASU), Kaduna State Polytechnic, College of Agriculture and Animal Science (CAAS), Mando, and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

The scholarship awards were announced at the Foundation’s Northwest Symposium on Youth Electoral Participation in Politics and Democratic Governance, held at the Gusau Institute in Kaduna State.

More than 400 students and young Nigerians attended the symposium, which focused on youth participation in democratic processes, electoral engagement, leadership and good governance.

Founder of EleniyanCares Leadership Foundation, Hon. Segun Olulade, popularly known as Eleniyan, said the scholarship programme was part of the organisation’s broader commitment to empowering young Nigerians through education, leadership development, humanitarian intervention and active citizenship.

Olulade explained that the one-year scholarships were designed to ease some of the financial difficulties faced by students and offer immediate assistance to beneficiaries as they pursue their academic programmes.

He also said the intervention was intended to complement government efforts to expand access to education, while emphasising that individuals and organisations have responsibilities in advancing the educational development of young Nigerians.

According to Olulade, existing government interventions, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and education initiatives in Kaduna State, demonstrate efforts to address educational needs. He stressed that additional contributions from organisations could enable more students to remain in school and continue their studies.

The scholarship programme forms part of ELF’s wider youth development strategy, which links civic participation with practical assistance for young people experiencing socioeconomic challenges.

At the symposium, participants also took part in keynote presentations, goodwill messages and panel sessions examining ways to increase youth participation in democratic processes, address obstacles to political inclusion and equip young Nigerians with the knowledge and confidence required for responsible participation in governance.

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Hon. Ahmed Maiyaki, delivered the keynote address at the event.

Other participants included Kaduna State Commissioner Hon. Gloria Ibrahim; the Special Adviser to the Kaduna State Governor on Vigilantes and Security Matters, Hon. Garba Musa; government officials, academics, community leaders and youth stakeholders.

The Foundation said the gathering further highlighted the role of education in preparing young people for effective citizenship and sustainable development.

Through the one-year scholarship intervention, ELF is providing direct financial assistance to students while supporting beneficiaries in developing the academic and professional skills required to pursue future opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship and leadership.

Source: msmeafricaonline