By Hassan Hussain
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that expand access to education, describing investment in human capital as a critical strategy for reducing poverty and securing Nigeria’s future.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, represented by the Director of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Bernard Doro, stated this in Abuja at the launch of the OmaLife Rescue Foundation’s One Million Dreams Educational Scholarship Project. He commended the foundation for investing in the education, mentorship and empowerment of young Nigerians.
Dr. Doro said every Nigerian child has the potential to succeed if provided with quality education and the right opportunities.
“Investment in basic education is one of the most effective ways of securing Nigeria’s future and reducing poverty. Philanthropy is not just about charity; it is a strategic investment in nation-building,” the Minister said.
He explained that education, healthcare and poverty reduction are closely interconnected, stressing that children who remain in school acquire life skills, receive proper guidance and are protected from harmful social influences.
The Minister noted that the Federal Government would continue to support programmes that promote education, leadership development and economic empowerment among young Nigerians.
Also speaking, the Mandate Secretary for Health and Environment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, announced that beneficiaries of the scholarship programme would be enrolled in the FCT Health Insurance Scheme free of charge for one year.
According to her, the beneficiaries will have access to healthcare services at the FCT’s 162 Primary Healthcare Centres, 14 General Hospitals, the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, the National Hospital Abuja and General Hospital Garki.
“From tomorrow, every beneficiary of this scholarship programme will be enrolled in the FCT Health Insurance Scheme at no cost. This is part of our commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality healthcare while pursuing education,” Dr. Fasawe said.
She explained that the health insurance package covers emergency care, antenatal services, childbirth, sickle cell crisis management and other essential healthcare services.
Dr. Fasawe also disclosed that the FCT Administration had increased health insurance coverage by more than 105 per cent within one year through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund Social Health Insurance Programme, with over 72,000 residents already benefiting.
She further commended the Founder of OmaLife Rescue Foundation, Dr. (Mrs.) Omanibe Ameh-Sanusi, for investing in human capital development and urged beneficiaries to remain committed to their studies.
As part of activities at the event, the FCTA distributed gas cookers and cylinders to some beneficiaries to encourage the adoption of clean energy and reduce health risks associated with firewood and charcoal.
Earlier, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of OmaLife Rescue Foundation, Dr. (Mrs.) Omanibe Ameh-Sanusi, said the One Million Dreams Educational Scholarship Project aims to provide educational opportunities for indigent pupils and students across primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in Nigeria over the next ten years.
She described education as the greatest investment any nation could make and said the initiative seeks to ensure that no brilliant Nigerian child is denied access to education because of financial constraints.
“This project is more than a scholarship scheme. It is a national commitment to restoring hope and investing in the future of Nigeria by empowering one million young people through education, mentorship and leadership development,” she said.
Dr. Ameh-Sanusi appealed to governments, development partners, corporate organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to partner with the foundation through scholarships, mentorship, educational resources, advocacy and financial support.
She also announced plans to establish the OmaLife Wellness and Rehabilitation Institute in Abuja to provide rehabilitation services for people battling substance abuse, mental health challenges and trauma, alongside vocational training and family support services.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris, pledged the Commission’s support for the initiative, saying collaboration with organisations committed to educating vulnerable children would help reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country.
“We are ready to partner with the foundation to ensure more vulnerable children return to the classroom and realise their full potential,” he stated.
In his remarks, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Jejeola Property Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Sanusi Teslim, described education as one of the greatest investments in the future of any nation.
He commended the foundation for creating opportunities for disadvantaged children and called on individuals and organisations to support the initiative.
“Sustainable development begins with investing in people. This scholarship programme reflects compassion, vision and a genuine commitment to transforming lives through education,” Alhaji Teslim said.
The launch attracted government officials, development partners, traditional leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, who pledged support for the initiative aimed at expanding educational opportunities and improving the lives of vulnerable children across Nigeria.
