Millions of naira were injected into youth empowerment and education in Benue State on Saturday as the Tanimu Foundation rolled out scholarships, cash grants and vocational tools for beneficiaries in the North Bank area of Makurdi.
The intervention, delivered through the Foundation’s 2025 Annual Award Ceremony, saw dozens of young people equipped with skills and financial support aimed at tackling unemployment and poverty at the grassroots.
Our correspondent reports that at least 24 youths benefited directly from vocational training and empowerment packages, while students in tertiary institutions across the country received scholarships and cash awards.
Also, eight fashion design graduates were presented with brand new sewing machines valued at N1.24 million under the newly introduced Hajia Ingi Fashion Award, while 20 students received N50,000 each under the Aisha Tanimu Scholarship Award, amounting to N1 million.
The Founder of the Foundation, Associate Professor Sabo Tanimu, a United States-based medical practitioner, was commended for sustaining the initiative over the years through the organisation’s vocational training centre.
Speaking on his behalf, the Foundation’s Country Director, Khalid Omeje, urged government and well-meaning Nigerians to support private-driven efforts targeted at youth development and social welfare.
Omeje explained that the Hajia Ingi Fashion Award and the Aisha Tanimu Scholarship Award were instituted in memory of the founder’s late sister and mother, respectively, noting that this year’s ceremony was dedicated to the late Hajia Ingi Tanimu, a strong supporter of the Foundation.
He added that additional cash prizes of N50,000 were awarded to outstanding students in computer training and science-based extra-mural lessons.
He cautioned beneficiaries against selling the equipment provided, stressing that the programme was designed to provide sustainable livelihoods and steer youths away from social vices.
“The objective is to reduce unemployment, discourage cultism and prevent unwanted pregnancies,” Omeje said.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Emmanuel Ezuka thanked the founder for his consistent commitment to improving the lives of indigent youths, describing the intervention as life-changing for the North Bank community.
He also expressed appreciation for the inclusion of first-year undergraduates among the scholarship beneficiaries.
Dignitaries at the event, including the Sarki Hausawa of North Bank, Alhaji Yusuf Maikyau, and the Galadima Hausawa, Isiaku Garba Baba, applauded the Foundation’s vision and urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity. They also called for regular monitoring to ensure proper use of the empowerment tools.
Other highlights of the ceremony included scholarship awards to 10 first-year undergraduates, recognition of outstanding science and computer students from both Muslim and Christian backgrounds, and the presentation of a N50,000 cash prize and merit certificate to an outstanding NYSC member, Chris, for exemplary service.
