By Our Reporter

The Emir of Lafia and Chairman of the Nasarawa State Traditional Council, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I (rtd.), has been unveiled as the Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) Scholarship Programme. The announcement was made in Lagos during the launch of the ₦100 billion Education Support Initiative by the foundation.

The Emir, who attended the event alongside the Andoma of Doma, HRH Alhaji Aliyu Ahmadu Oga Onawo, will now lead the committee responsible for driving one of the most ambitious educational investments in Nigeria’s recent history. The initiative is designed to inject ₦100 billion annually for the next 10 years, targeting over 1.3 million students across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, and including teacher training programmes nationwide.

The Lagos unveiling, held at Eko Hotel and Suites on 11 December 2025, drew top dignitaries from across the country. Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, led a delegation of State Governors, including those of Lagos, Kano, Borno, Gombe, Niger, and Nasarawa, who witnessed the launch.

Among the participants was Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, who joined other leaders, members of the National Assembly, ministers, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and student representatives at the milestone event. Governor Sule also took part in the unveiling of Dangote Industries Ltd’s VISION 2030, a roadmap outlining the conglomerate’s long-term strategic direction.

The Emir’s appointment is seen as a significant boost to the ADF Scholarship Programme, with expectations that his leadership will help ensure transparent implementation and broaden the initiative’s reach across diverse communities in Nigeria.