How Benue youth get lifeline through philanthropy

The economic downturn in the country has put many families on edge.

Left with making little from their businesses to feed, and almost nothing to train their children and wards, a philanthropist, Professor Sabo Tanimu, is however changing the narrative in Benue State to ensure that the youth are given the needed attention to enable them to complete their education and gain skills necessary for their survival.

Ibrahim Muhammad Fauzan, a 100-level Medical Laboratory student of Gombe State University, couldn’t suppress his excitement when he received his scholarship award from Tanimu Foundation at North Bank, Makurdi in Benue State.

Fauzan was one among the several beneficiaries, who got a lifeline for their education through scholarships, and many other young people who have received free vocational skills training and empowerment.

Speaking at the occasion of the presentation of the scholarships, Fauzan, who was visibly elated, thanked the foundation for the gesture and what it has been doing for the North Bank community where he lives with his parents.

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Apart from skill acquisition, no fewer than 20 other young people have also benefited from cash and scholarship awards in this year’s event to enhance their education in various tertiary institutions across the country.

The founder of Tanimu Foundation who is a medical practitioner based in the United States (USA), Professor Sabo Tanimu, has consistently over the years impacted positively on the lives of people through the organisation’s vocational centre.

Similarly, Jeremiah Jacob, a 100-level Statistics student of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), commended the foundation for the gesture, saying the founder has been doing a lot for the North Bank community.

He described Prof. Tanimu’s philanthropy as unparalleled, thanking him and praying to God to grant him long life and good health.

For Aisha Adamu, the gesture was worthwhile as she prayed to God to reward their benefactor.

Apart from scholarships, there were also welfare packages distributed to 20 indigent people drawn from the Christian and Muslim communities in North Bank. The packages included cash and food items.

The foundation, following local leaders’ request for more employment opportunities, will soon, particularly in areas like mechanics and midwifery, train youths to excel in their chosen fields.

Speaking at this year’s event, the foundation’s Country Director, Khalid Omeje, enjoined private individuals who have the resources, and government at all levels, to support the good work of the founder.

Omeje noted that he had been a source of inspiration to the community where he also introduced a new programme, the Aishatu Tanimu Award, aimed at further supporting the youths.

On his part, Prof. Tanimu in an interview after he was turbaned as ‘Jarma’ of the Hausa community pledged to continue his good work.

He said, “Giving back is inherent in me. It is something I naturally do. And for the turbanning, this recognition will add weight to my efforts and encourage further action. We’re using North Bank as a pilot study to expand our initiatives nationwide.”

The medical practitioner, who at this year’s event, marked at the weekend, presented 20 welfare packages to widows, orphans and the less privileged alongside scholarships for 20 deserving students of different tertiary institutions across the country, said his main focus remains education to better the lot of young people.

Tanimu said, “My primary focus is on education. In the short term, we aim to identify ways to improve education both locally and internationally, including finding scholarships for underprivileged individuals to study anywhere in the world.

“In the long run, my ultimate goal is to expand our reach into the US to secure financial support for our foundation. This will enable us to establish a flourishing academic foundation in Nigeria, and across Africa. We need to harness local talent and integrate the world’s best technology. With our proven track record, we will steadily achieve these goals.”