Beyond Prizes: KMT-BOND Event Offers Hope, Help to Yobe’s Vulnerable
By Baba Dan’Iya
Organisers of the KMT-BOND JAMB Prize Event have said that the initiative went beyond academic recognition to serve as a platform for humanitarian outreach, cultural celebration, and inclusive development across Yobe State.
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr Suleiman Hassan Gimba, stated this in a press release issued in Damaturu on Saturday.
Gimba noted that while the event featured the disbursement of ₦2.9 million in JAMB prizes to high-performing students, its greater impact was measured in the lives touched through deliberate acts of inclusion, empathy, and social support.
He disclosed that persons with disabilities were given special consideration, with six beneficiaries — a male and a female from each of the state’s three senatorial zones — receiving full refunds of their tuition fees, having already gained admission into tertiary institutions.
“All persons with disabilities who attended the event also had their transportation costs reimbursed, ensuring their full participation without financial burden,” Gimba said.
He emphasised that the humanitarian focus of the event was further reinforced by a post-event outreach to the family of a young cancer patient whose situation was brought to the organisers’ attention earlier that day.
“Sadly, we learnt she had passed away the night before. In response, Alhaji Kashim Musa Tumsah, directed an immediate condolence visit and financial support to her bereaved family,” Gimba said.
“This gesture was a solemn reminder that our mission extends beyond ceremonies — it is about standing with people in their most vulnerable moments,” he added.
He added that, in addition to the humanitarian initiatives, the committee also provided ₦200,000 each to the Student Union Governments of eight tertiary institutions, including Yobe State University (YSU), Federal Polytechnic Damaturu and College of Education among others.
The funds, according to him were earmarked for student welfare and empowerment programmes.
The chairman further explained that the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Union of Yobe State Students (NUYOSS National) also received ₦200,000 and ₦150,000, respectively.
Gimba extended appreciation to student leaders, invited guests, schools, and members of the public for their support, describing the event as “a convergence of excellence, empathy, and shared responsibility.”
“As we honour academic achievements, we equally reaffirm our duty to uplift those in need and strengthen the bonds that hold our communities together,” he said.
