“The thoughtful exchange during our engagement further reinforced the invaluable role of traditional leadership in driving national development and fostering community participation in government-led initiatives”
By John Odunayo
The Oore of Otun Ekiti and Paramount Ruler of Moba Land, Oba Dr Adekunle Adeagbo, on Thursday graciously honored the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFund) Headquarters in Abuja with a distinguished courtesy visit.
NELFund Chief Executive/Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr, played host to reverred traditional ruler.
Oba Adeagbo thanked the NELFund boss for explaining body’s mission during his visit to the National Council of Traditional Rulers at its National Executive Committee meeting in Lagos.
The monarch, said, “My visit to NELFund is a follow up to know how Otun Ekiti and Moba citizens can benefit maximally from this laudable programme meant for giving Nigerians including Moba people access to qualitative education”.
Oba Adeagbo expressed his readiness to facilitate grassroots sensitization efforts within Moba Land to ensure that his people were well-informed and positioned to benefit from the Fund’s offerings.
The Oore thanked President Bola Tinubu for the Renewed Hope programme “targeted at bridging inequality in the system. Access to education is indeed a link to a bright rewarding future.
“The student loan initiative has already saved many Nigerian families – parents, students and siblings and given younger ones unhindered access to education.
“I appreciate the MD of NELFund, Mr Sawyerr and his team, they are passionate and intentional about the future of Nigerian youth. In the long-run, our economy will be impacted by educated youths who will transform the future of our great country,” Oba Adeagbo said.
NELFUND Managing Director, Sawyerr, conveyed his profound appreciation for the monarch’s continued support and advocacy, emphasizing the significance of traditional leadership in amplifying national initiatives.
Sawyerr lauded the vision behind NELFUND, describing it as a landmark intervention by the President, poised to democratize access to higher education and catalyze socio-economic mobility across Nigeria.
The visit, which was also graced by NELFUND, Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Dr Femi Akinfala, reaffirmed the synergy between traditional institutions and federal agencies and as well highlighted the shared resolve to advance educational equity and national progress.
The meeting served as a strategic follow-up to previous engagements, reflecting Oba Adeagbo’s deepening interest in the operational framework and transformative objectives of NELFUND.
An appreciative NELFUND MD, in a personally signed letter of appreciation to Oba Adeagbo dated October 24, stated, “I wish to express our profound appreciation to Your Royal Majesty for your esteemed courtesy visit to the NELFUND Headquarters on Thursday, 23rd October 2025.
“Your visit was not only an honour to the entire NELFUND family, but also a strong testament to your unwavering commitment to the advancement of education and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
“The thoughtful exchange during our engagement further reinforced the invaluable role of traditional leadership in driving national development and fostering community participation in government-led initiatives.
“We deeply appreciate Your Majesty’s interest in our operational framework and transformative objectives, as well as your pledge to support grassroots sensitization efforts within Moba Land.
“Such partnership and advocacy will no doubt enhance awareness and ensure that deserving students and families across your domain benefit fully from the opportunities provided by the Fund.
“Your Royal Majesty’s continued encouragement and statesmanlike counsel remain a source of inspiration to us as we pursue the President’s vision of democratizing access to higher education and promoting socio-economic mobility for all Nigerians.
“Please accept, Your Royal Majesty, the assurances of our highest esteem and our best wishes for your continued good health, wisdom, and a prosperous reign,” Sawyerr stated.
