Youth and Sports Minister, Barr Solomon Dalung has distributed Joint Admission and Matriculation Forms (JAMB) to 60 orphans selected on the basis of six students per local government area from 10 Local Governments of Plateau State as his own modest contribution to uplift orphans in the State.
The beneficiaries were drawn from Langtan North, Langtan South, Mikang, Wase, Shendam and Quapan Local Governments of the State with a promise that such gestures will be extended to other local governments in the nearest future.
Presenting the slips to the lucky students in Sabongida of Langtan South Local Government at the weekend, Dalung explained that the initiative is an expression of solidarity with orphans, widows, the down trodden and the less privileged in Plateau South; recalling that he had been organising love feast in the last 5 years during which he has been implementing programmes to help the poor.
He said the 2017 event was focused on orphans’ educational needs because of his belief that “education is the key weapon for development; and that the essence is to assist these carefully selected 60 young Nigerians to pursue their education”.
The Minister enjoined the recipients not to be discouraged for losing their parents but work hard through attainment of education. He also appealed to them to make good use of the educational investment opportunity being offered them.
The Minister also encouraged them to work hard in order to gain admission; assuring them of his readiness to assist in case they meet the cut-off–mark requirement but somehow could not be offered admission. “Work hard and write the examination in order to meet the JAMB cut-off mark, if for one reason you are not offered admission, I will intervene to ensure that admission is given to you”.
Dalung also assured all those that managed to secure admission of sponsorship by the Solomon Dalung Foundation in conjunction with assistance and contributions of well-meaning friends and associates.
The Provost, Federal College of Education – Mr. Amos Cirfat, who spoke at the event, described the intervention of the Minister as ‘true milk of kindness’ and urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate because ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’.
Ramvel Everestus, a recipient who spoke on behalf of others thanked the Minister for his fatherly care, and appreciated him for his interest in trying to develop the minds of youth. He also promised not to let the Minister down by making good use of the opportunity.
Nnorom Onyebuchi
For: Director (Press).
