SPEECH FOR THE LAUNCH OF NABWES WEBSITE

By Tande Semeton 9th Speaker, NABWES

Published on March 2, 2025

Distinguished Guests, NABWES Executives, Esteemed Members, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is with great honor and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as we take a bold step towards progress and efficiency—the official launch of the NABWES website.

For those who may not know me well, I am Tande Semeton, the 9th Speaker of NABWES and the Deputy Speaker of the last administration. I have had the privilege of serving in the Parliamentary Council for the last three administrations, dedicating my time and efforts to the growth and development of our beloved association. My commitment to NABWES has always been centered on selfless service, ensuring that we create better opportunities for students and make processes smoother for everyone.

The Need for a Digital Transformation

Over time, NABWES has evolved in membership and activities, yet one challenge that remained was the lack of a centralized digital platform to connect our members, provide vital information, and streamline key processes in bursary application. Our students faced significant difficulties while trying to apply for the bursary provided by our capable Executive Chairman, Hon. Hennugbe Gbenu Joseph. The manual process required candidates to travel to the secretary’s office to obtain forms, take them to their schools for endorsement, and then return to the council for screening. This process has, unfortunately, hindered and deprived many students from participating, as school authorities are not always available to sign the forms promptly and the distance location of some schools is also a barrier to participate in the bursary application.

As a leader and a firm believer in innovation, I took it upon myself to find a solution. At this stage of our association’s growth, it became clear to me that NABWES needs a website—a platform that will ease the burdens of our students and improve efficiency in our operations. This vision led to the birth of the NABWES website.

This website it is a multifunctional platform designed to serve all NABWES members effectively.

Key Features of the NABWES Website

1. Blog Section – This section provides members with the latest news, updates, and developments within NABWES. Whether it’s an important announcement, a new policy, or updates from our executives, this blog will keep all members informed.

2. Event Section – NABWES hosts various events throughout the year, and this section allows members to register for upcoming programs easily.

3. About Section – Many students are unaware of the history of NABWES. This section details the birth and growth of our association, helping members understand the foundation upon which we stand.

4. Council Section – Transparency is key to good leadership. This section features the full list of the Executive Council and Parliamentary Council members, making it easier for students to know their representatives and reach out when necessary.

5. Dues Payment Section – This section enables students to pay their dues online, ensuringaccountability and convenience.

This website is not just a digital platform; it is a game-changer. One of its most significant features is the seamless bursary application system. If our proposal is considered by the Local Government, this platform will eliminate stress and delay by allowing students to apply for bursaries online.

The bursary application system is designed to ensure transparency and accountability. With this system:

• Students can register online, eliminating unnecessary travel and paperwork.

• The Bursary Committee will have a structured workflow, allowing thorough review of applications in stages: ICT          Department → Councilors → HOD → Bursary Chairman.

• Institutions can authenticate studentship online, reducing cases of fraud and misrepresentation.

With this website, we are embracing technology to serve students better. No longer will students be frustrated by delays or denied opportunities due to administrative bottlenecks. This is a step towards efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.

Appreciation

This website would not have been possible without the tireless efforts and support of some individuals who dedicated their time and skills to make this a reality.

I want to sincerely appreciate my junior brother, Ayomide Daton, who worked relentlessly to ensure this website went live. Your dedication and commitment to this project have been invaluable.

I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to my brother, Isaac Avoseh, for his unwavering support throughout the production of this website. Your contributions played a significant role in bringing this vision to life.

Additionally, I would like to recognize the efforts of our testers, who ensured that this website was properly reviewed and fine-tuned before launch:

Comr. Oke Obadiah, Oketeru Pedetin and Mosho Oluwaseyi among others Your assistance has been truly appreciated, and I am grateful for your contributions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the launch of this website is not just about technology—it is about advancing NABWES and creating a platform that benefits every student. This is a legacy we are leaving behind for future generations, and I urge every member to utilize this website to its fullest potential.

I appreciate the support of the 8th NABWES parliamentary council, the executive, and the Local Government leadership for their continued commitment to student welfare.

Together, we are building a stronger, more efficient NABWES!

Thank you, and may NABWES continue to grow and prosper!