By Our Correspondent

In a major boost for students facing financial hardship, the Velocity Humanitarian Foundation has announced it will settle all outstanding tuition fees for eligible indigenous students of Gombe State currently studying at Gombe State University (GSU).

The initiative, spearheaded by the foundation’s founder, Engineer Aliyu Mohammed, was revealed in a press release issued on Monday, July 29, 2025.

According to the statement, the intervention will cover both students who have not paid their tuition at all and those who have made only partial payments. The move is expected to bring significant relief to many families struggling to meet the rising cost of education.

“In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,” the statement began, “I wish to inform the general public, especially students and parents across Gombe State, that the Velocity Humanitarian Foundation, under my leadership, will take full responsibility for the payment of outstanding tuition fees for eligible Indigenous students of Gombe State currently studying at Gombe State University.”

Engineer Mohammed emphasized that the gesture should not be seen as an act of charity, but rather “a moral obligation and a strategic investment in the potential of our youth and the development of Gombe State.”

He added that the foundation is working closely with the university authorities to ensure a transparent and well-coordinated disbursement process, and that further details will be released through official channels in the coming days.

“To all affected students: remain focused, stay hopeful, and never stop striving. Your future is valid and worth every support,” the statement concluded.

This announcement has been met with widespread praise across the state, especially among parents and students who see the intervention as a lifeline in the face of economic challenges.

Educational analysts and civil society groups have also applauded the initiative, describing it as a “model for responsible philanthropy” that targets a critical area of need—access to higher education.

As the details unfold, many hope this initiative will not only ease the burden on struggling students but also inspire other well-meaning individuals and organizations to invest in youth development and education across Nigeria.

By Our Political Reporter

In a show of solidarity and support, former Comptroller of Customs, Yusuf Garba Nadabo—popularly known as Uban Doman Jara—warmly welcomed members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) caucus to Gombe State ahead of the planned endorsement rally for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The event, which is expected to draw key party stakeholders from across the state and beyond, marks a significant step in reaffirming support for President Tinubu’s administration in the North-East.

As part of his commitment to the party and the endorsement movement, Nadabo, together with his family, friends, and well-wishers, donated 10,000 drinking water to the APC family in Gombe State. The gesture, described by many as timely and thoughtful, is aimed at supporting logistical needs during the highly anticipated political gathering.

Speaking during a brief ceremony held to receive the donation, party officials expressed appreciation for Nadabo’s continuous support and patriotic contributions to both the state and national development. Many described the former Comptroller as a grassroots mobilizer and an elder statesman whose influence continues to inspire younger generations.

Nadabo, who retired from active service with the Nigeria Customs Service after years of distinguished service, has remained a strong political figure in the state, known for his generosity and commitment to community development.

“We are proud of what President Tinubu is doing for Nigeria, and this endorsement is a way of showing that Gombe stands firmly behind him,” Nadabo said. “This donation is our little way of supporting the event and encouraging unity within our party.”

Preparations are already in top gear as the APC gears up for the state-wide endorsement event, which is expected to attract top dignitaries, party loyalists, and thousands of supporters.

Observers say the move will further strengthen the APC’s political presence in Gombe State, ahead of future political developments.

Ends

By Our Correspondent

In a solemn demonstration of solidarity and compassion, a high-powered delegation led by sports entrepreneur and Chief Executive Officer of Green White Green Sports Centre Limited, Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, paid a condolence visit to the Kano State Government and families of the victims of a tragic road accident that claimed the lives of 22 young athletes.

The delegation, which included renowned figures such as Dr. Alex Mana and retired military officer Col. Abbas Mohammed, was received by the Director of the Kano State Sports Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Umar Fagge, and later by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, at the Government House in Kano.

The athletes, who represented Kano State at the recent National Sports Festival, tagged “Gateway Games,” in Ogun State, lost their lives in a devastating auto crash on their way back from the event. The tragedy has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s sports community, sparking grief and calls for lasting memorials in their honour.

Speaking during the visit, Hon. Gara-Gombe, a former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and a prominent figure in Nigerian sports development, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He described the deceased as “national assets” whose contributions to grassroots sports would not be forgotten.

“As someone who has lived in Kano and served the state at different levels, I feel personally affected by this tragedy,” Gara-Gombe stated. “These young athletes gave their lives in the service of the state and the country. They deserve to be honoured eternally.”

He called on the Kano State Government to construct a mausoleum in Kano metropolis as a permanent memorial for the fallen athletes. He said such a structure would not only preserve their legacy but also serve as a reminder of the value of youth in nation-building.

In a further show of commitment, Hon. Gara-Gombe announced a personal donation of N2 million to support the mausoleum project, urging others within the sports and political community to contribute as well.

Responding on behalf of the state government, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo expressed appreciation for the visit and described it as a powerful gesture of empathy and unity from the people of Gombe State.

“We are grateful to Hon. Gara-Gombe and his team for standing with us in this difficult time,” Gwarzo said. “Your proposal to immortalize our heroes is noble, and the government will give it due consideration.”

The Deputy Governor also thanked the delegation for their thoughtful donation and assured them that the government remains committed to supporting the families of the victims.

The visit was concluded with prayers for the souls of the departed and for peace and progress in Kano State and Nigeria at large. The delegation later departed for their various destinations, having reaffirmed the enduring bond between Gombe and Kano States through this act of shared grief and solidarity.