The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Corps member

  • Corps member donates library to INEC

    Corps member donates library to INEC

    One will think that such an important agency as the Independent National Electoral Commission will have a library where important books and other documents are kept for reference purposes and ease of access of information by staff of the commission as well as researchers and academic scholars.

    Well, that was not the case with the Ebonyi State office of the electoral body until a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving at its headquarters in Abakaliki set up one.

    A Batch ‘B’  member of the corps, Mr Omolekun Oluwole has handed over the mini-library equipped with research materials to the Commission in Abakaliki.

    In his speech during the inauguration and handover of the library, Oluwole said that the project was part of his Community Development Service (CDS), an integral part of the four cardinal programmes of the NYSC.

    He stated that after assessing the documentation and references challenges of the Commission’s workers, he was motivated to provide a solution after getting the go-ahead nod of the Commission’s leadership.

    •Corps member Omolekun Oluwole who donated a library to the Ebonyi State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), explains a point when he handed over the facility to Commission in Abakiliki
    •Corps member Omolekun Oluwole who donated a library to the Ebonyi State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), explains a point when he handed over the facility to Commission in Abakiliki

    Oluwole, who noted that the library would serve as a model of inquiry, learning, building knowledge and confidence in seeking and processing information among the workers, added that it would also help to promote staff’s outward thinking and positive mental reasoning and perception?

    He maintained that service year was not a merriment year but a time to make sacrifices for community development.

    He said: “Community development service is one of the integral part of the four cardinal programmes of the scheme of NYSC in which corps memebers work with the local community to promote self-reliance by systematically prospecting and executing development projects which will in turn impact positively on the social-economic development of the host communities through the period of national service. It is worthwhile mentioning that since its inception in1973, the NYSC has been making great contributions in the social, political and economic transformation of the nation”.

    “One of the major aims and objectives is to produce the forum for corps members to experiment with ideas and translate them into concrete achievements thereby relying less on foreign technology and harnessing the enormous talents and skills of corps members into an effective machinery of change in their various communities”.

    “However, I observed critically and logically the challenges faced by my immediate community on the lack of accessibility to relevant information in the commission among the staff and others. Thereafter, I discussed with the head of department, General Administration and procurement (INEC Abakaliki), Dr. S. Johnson and former administrative Secretary, Royson Obijuru on the need to equip the staff of the commission with relevant information within and outside the commission by establishing a mini-library. Immediately the idea was welcomed and approved.”

    “The creation of mini-library i.e. construction of two book selves, purchase of plastic chairs, reading table  and equally equipping it with relevant books, manuals, journals/magazines has served as my personal contribution to the development of the commission and entire community and with other CDS projects which includes the following”.

    “(1) Sensitisation talk/seminar on career choice for three different government secondary schools in Ebonyi LGA. The career talk was centered on the topic “making the Right Career Choice” with three subtopic delivered by three resource personnel form different works of life”.

    “(2) Donation of two hundred copies of forty leaves exercises books to each of the three government secondary schools respectively”.

    “(3) Organising an intensive extea-mural lesson on English language for two government senior secondary schools for the period of one month in order to prepare them toward their external examination (WAEC and NECO). At the end of the lesson there will be an assessment in order to evaluate their performance and the best students in both schools will be awarded with an English textbook. The relevance and benefits of these projects to the community cannot be overemphasised”.

    “The relevance and benefits of the library to the commission include the following: It will help in providing a model for inquiry, learning, building knowledge and confidence in seeking and processing information among the staff”.

    “It will help in providing access to abstracts and descriptions for approximately 100 journals, magazines, newspaper and include and include general interest materials on social research, environment, science, current affairs arts and humanities”

    “It will help to promote the staff outward thinking and positive mental reasoning and perceptions”

    “It will help to play a key role as a place for encouraging innovation, curiosity, creativity and problem solving for all the staff”

    “It will help to equip staff with lifelong learning skills, opportunities and develop the imagination, enabling them to live as more responsible citizens”

    The mini library, he said has been equipped with book shelves, plastic chairs, reading tables, relevant books, manuals, journals/magazines.

    Oluwole said it was his personal contribution to the development of the Commission and the entire community and charged the Commission to take further steps to expand the library.

    Unveiling the library, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner,(REC),Dr. Lawrence Azubuike who thanked Oluwole for coming to their rescue.

    He recalled how the Commission existed for years without a place where workers can access information.

    Represented by the Head of Department, General Administration and Procurement, Dr. S. Johnson, the Commissioner described the Corps member as humble and hard-working and urged his colleagues to emulate him.

    He noted that INEC and NYSC have maintained cordial synergy for years just as the Commissioner paid tribute to the Corps for the success of the just concluded general elections and described the Corps as an indispensable tool in Nigeria’s Electoral process.

    The NYSC state Coordinator, Mrs E.G. Mbachi in her speech noted that the purpose of establishing NYSC has been achieved through the likes of Oluwole and urged his colleagues to emulate him.

    The State Coordinator who was represented by the zonal Inspector, Abakaliki, Mr. E. J. Isau described NYCS as a wonderful initiative that has brought national integration to the country.

  • CAMPUSLIFE man is best Corps member in Kebbi

    CAMPUSLIFE man is best Corps member in Kebbi

    A CAMPUSLIFE man, Akintomide Akindotun, has won the Kebbi State Governor’s Award for best Corps member during the passing out ceremony of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) held in Birin Kebbi.

    Akintomide, a graduate of Welding and Fabrication Engineering Technology at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Effurun, Delta State, is one of the three outstanding Batch “A” Corps members in the state.

    He was honoured for his good conduct and several life-changing Community Development Service (CDS) projects he initiated in his host community.

    Akindotun, who served in Kanta Unity College, Argungu, said he felt the pulse of the residents of his host community to confront the challenges facing them, hinting that he was inspired to alleviate their suffering by keeping their children in schools and enlighten them on accident prevention.

    Some of the project carried out by Akindotun included designing and erection of road traffic signals on major roads, public sensitisation programme on the use of road, which was organised in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), distribution of writing materials to primary school pupils, campaign on mass literacy and girl child education, and corrupt practices, among others.

    Governor Saidu Dakingari, represented by the permanent secretary of Ministry of Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Idris, presented the state award to the Corps member at the governor’s office. The occasion was witnessed by the NYSC coordinator, Alhaji Abdullahi Yusuf, among other dignitaries.

    Akindotun dedicated the award to God and his colleagues reporting for CAMPUSLIFE.

     

  • Corps member counsels 300 pupils

    Corps member counsels 300 pupils

    About 300 secondary school pupils have benefitted from a career counseling seminar organised by NYSC Batch A corps member, Moses Omoikhoa.

    The pupils from three schools: Senior Secondary School, Grammar School, and Estate Grammar School, all in Ilupeju, Lagos, were lectured on the scope of courses in tertiary institutions, basic entry requirements, relevance of such courses locally and globally, and employment prospects.

    The students also got a chance to ask questions from the facilitators, who were all corps members.

    Moses said he organised the seminar as part of his Project Model initiative, through which he seeks to pursue the change the country needs.

    “The change that the country needs should be pursued with a sense of urgency because, if not us, who? If not now, when?

    “The Project Model Initiative has added humongous value to the participants and more of such projects would be a veritable tool and catalyst for the development of the country,” he said.

    Moses, who hopes to continue the project after his NYSC, said he had to save his monthly allowance for about 10 months (19,800 per month) for the project to become a reality, with support from few well-meaning individuals.

    One of the corps members, Oyemade Thompson, donated 50 copies of a career counseling books to some of the participants.

     

  • Corps member floats press club

    Corps member  Emmanuel Ahanonu has established a press club in Community High School, Emene, in Enugu  State, where he is serving  as part of his Community Development Service (CDS).

    CDS is one of the four cardinal programmes of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in which corps members contribute positively to the development of their host community throughout the period of national service.

    He said the club was created to assist the pupils hone their communication skills.

    Emmanuel, President of Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists, said the activities of the club would include training in news writing and communication.

    About 100 pupils attended the inauguration of the club in the school premises, where they were taught the ethics of journalism. The Corps members said membership of the club would not be limited to pupils in the Arts class.

    Emmanuel motivated the students to write short stories, saying it would boost their writing skills. To further motivate the pupils, Emmanuel said he would reward the best three writers of news and articles at the end of the term.

    The Principal of the school, Lady Caroline Omeje Okwuoma, said their membership of the club would help the pupils to learn and read. She urged them to write responsibly and use their pen to champion the cause for a better society.

    A teacher of Physical and Heath Education, Mrs Joy Ugwuoya, praised the Corps members for his thoughtfulness.

  • Corps member renovates toilet

    A corps member serving in Bakassi in Cross River State, Johnpaul Nnamdi, has renovated the toilet of Community Secondary School in Esighi Bakassi.

    The youth also donated toilet facilities to the school.

    Johnpaul  said the renovation was necessary because the toilet was in a deplorable condition.

    He said the pupils and staff of the school deserved a good environment to promote learning, noting that as part of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) initiative of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he would ensure a clean environment in the school to achieve the MDGs and impact positively on his host community.

    In promoting the MDGs, Johnpaul has held hand washing campaign across various schools in Bakassi and trained volunteers to achieve the objective. He also donated clothes, bags and sporting kits to schools in the community.

    When the toilet was unveiled, the school principal and teachers praised the corps member for the effort.

    Johnpaul said: “I carried out several projects in fulfilment of my duty as a MDGs volunteer and I believe it will lead to sustainable development in my host community and beyond.”

    He added that he actualised the projects with the help of the community residents, political and traditional leaders.

  • Corps member lifts widows, trains youths

    Corps member lifts widows, trains youths

    Residents of Etioro in Akoko South-West of Ondo State have praised Godwin Afiene, a corps, for donating materials to widows in the community.

    Godwin, who is serving at the Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), also organised skills acquisition programme for youths in the community and donated two first-aid boxes and exercise books to indigent pupils.

    Speaking after the presentation of the materials, the community head, Chief P. A. Adewumi, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, said: “Many corps members had served in this community, but this is the first time a corps member has done these remarkable things.  Godwin has impacted on our community positively. We are happy and we appreciate you.”

    He also lauded the skills acquisition programme of the corps member, saying the gesture had encouraged the youth and added value to their lives.

    Godwin thanked God for inspiring him to contribute to the development of the society, expressing determination to continue to make meaningful impact on humanity.

  • Corps member gives volley ball, books to school

    In her quest to impact on her host community, Chinenye Amanonye, a corps member serving in Owerri, Imo State, has built a volleyball court to Urban Development Secondary School, Owerri.

    At the ceremony where the facility was unveiled, Chinenye also donated books to the school library. The event was witnessed by Head of Community Development Service (CDS), represented by Local Government Inspector,  Mrs Benedicta Abboh,  Vice Principal, Mrs Mgbe Ahuru,  teachers, corps members and students.

    Chinenye said the objectives of the project was to develop the talent of the pupils in sport.

    Mrs Mgbeahuru praised the corps member for the gesture, urging other youths serving in the community to emulate the gesture.  She noted that the volleyball court would benefit the pupils and improve sporting activities in the school.

    She recommended that the state and the Federal Governments should honour the corps member for keeping the core values of the NYSC scheme alive. She advised the pupils to emulate the corps member and study hard to become graduates and impact their communities.

    The local government officials praised the corps member for the projects, appreciating the school management for their support to the corps member.  The highpoint was the commissioning of the 19×9m standard volleyball court.

    Copies of a novel, The Rising Sun, which was written by the corps member, was donated to the school.

    Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE, Chinenye said she was motivated with what she saw around her and the leadership potential she has, urging other corps members to make impact in their host communities.

    Matthew, a SSS 2 pupil, who spoke on behalf of the students, appreciated the corps member.

  • My close shave with death, by corps member

    My close shave with death, by corps member

    Few weeks to passing out from the National Youth Service, Sunday Abegunde was shot by robbers, who invaded the Corps Members’ Lodge in Urum, Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State. Bullets were removed from his left thigh. But, he is still carrying bullets in his right thigh, which doctors say will come out with time. The pains, he says, are umbearable. He is also accusing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the community where he served of abandoning him. MMADUKA ODOGWU (Political Science) writes.

    When Sunday Abegunde was posted to Anambra State for the National Youth Service, he never dreamt that he would be a robbery victim.

    His experience during the 2012/2013 Service Year is making him to question the rationale for the one-year mandatory programme.

    While his colleagues were rejoicing over their passing-out last February, doctors were battling to save Sunday’s life after he was shot by hoodlums.

    Twice, Sunday had a close shave with death when his residence was attacked by robbers in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, where he did his primary assignment. He served at the Community Secondary School in Urum.

    The first robbery occurred some months into the one-year mandatory service. A robbery gang invaded the Corps Members’ Lodge, where Sunday and his colleagues were living, carting away phones, laptops and cash among others.

    While the hoodlums ransacked the rooms, some Corps members jumped the fence to escape into the bush. Those who could not escape were attacked with sharp objects. Sunday escaped being shot when the robbers met him at the entrance.

    The hoodlums returned a few weeks before the Passing-Out Parade of the Batch “A” Corps Members, during which Sunday was shot in the thighs at close range. He was left in a pool of his blood. His colleagues ran into the bush while the assailants carted away their belongings. The women, who could not escape, were molested.

    The robbers, Sunday said, waited for several minutes to ensure that he was dead before leaving.

    Sunday, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE on his sick bed at the Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital in Awka, recounted his ordeal: “The first time they came to our lodge, the robbers met me at the gate and told me to lie down. I discovered that they were armed with cutlasses and guns. I ran back to the building and alerted my colleagues. We scaled the fence to escape but others who were caught by the robbers were asked to lead them to our rooms. They made away with our phones, money and other valuables.

    “I was praying about 1am when the second attack happened. They broke in through the building’s back door and came into the parlour. They shot me on the thighs to incapacitate me. Immediately they did that, they went into the rooms and packed our belongings, including laptops, phones and money. As the robbers were leaving, they pointed a torchlight at me to know if I was dead. So I seized my breath, pretending to be dead. It was when they left that the Corps members came out from the bush and called the principal, who in turn alerted the village head.”

    Sunday, who was the Corps Liaison Officer (CLO), said his thighs were shattered with bullets. His left thighs was operated.

    He said: “The bullets shattered my two legs. Doctors have removed some of the bullets from my left thigh but they said they could not perform an operation on the right thigh. They said the bullets will come out with time. But as I talk to you, the pain is becoming unbearable. I have been abandoned by the community and the state Directorate of the NYSC. After a visit by the NYSC officials, they stopped picking my calls. I wrote severally to Mrs Iyang Bassey Ekpe, the state director, she did not deem it fit to reply to my letters. I wonder why I participated in the Youth Service in the first place.”

    Sunday said he would be transferred to the General Hospital in Akure, the Ondo State capital, for further medical attention.

    Comrade Obi, who described the ex-Corps member as dutiful, said Sunday would not be abandoned by the community. He said: “We have been doing our best to ensure that adequate attention and treatment are given to Corper Sunday, because he did very well in service of the school. He is dutiful and dedicated to his task. In fact, the students and teachers are feeling his absence even though he will not return to the school. The former Commissioner for Education, Dr Uju Okeke, and other state officials visited him in the hospital and they are lending a helping hand to make sure that he is back on his feet.”

    Dr Okeke said government had released N1 million for Sunday’s treatment. “As soon as the money is ready, Sunday would be contacted to get the cash,” she said.

    When contacted, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Emeka Chukwuemeka, said he was not aware of the incident, promising to contact the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Mgbakwu Police Station for confirmation. “I will ask the DPO to find out if this is the true,” he said.

  • Death of Corps member: Man to die by hanging

    A High Court sitting in Ikere-Ekiti, Ikere Local Government Area of the State yesterday sentenced  Theophilus Pius, 26,  to death by hanging for the murder of a female youth corps member, Anthonia Okeke.

    Pius, a commercial motorcyclist, reportedly colluded with others on 19th December 2008 to kidnap and later murder of Anthonia, a serving corps member at the time, in Ilawe-Ekiti who had hired him (the motorcyclist) to take her to the motor park in Ikere while going for Christmas celebrations in her hometown in Anambra State.

    Justice Adegoriola Adeleye also handed Pius a separate ten-year sentence for kidnapping late Anthonia which culminated in her  death in the hands of ritualists.

    Anthonia,  a Chemical Engineering graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, was from Umuno Ndiuno  in Ezeagu Local Government area of Enugu  State.

    Justice Adeleye, had submitted that the evidence as presented Mr. Adeleye Familoni, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) at the  State Ministry of Justice, against the accused person as sufficiently useful and reliable to  convince the court that the accused person was actually guilty.

    Adeleye said: “I submit that the Prosecution Counsel has been able to prove his case beyond reasonable doubt. He has been able to establish that
    the Defendant is culpable and no criminal shall go unpunished  in the
    face of law”.

    Spokesperson for the family, Mr. Obinna Okeke, Anthonia’s elder brother, commended the judgment, saying “the verdict has proved that those with criminal intentions cannot have their ways as long as the government is determined to apply the relevant laws against them in a diligent manner”.
    Okeke  also thanked the State Ministry of Justice, the police, the human rights groups and National Youth Service Corps for pursuing  the case to “its very useful and meaningful end”.

    In his comments, the  DPP, Familoni, noted the judgment  was a victory of “light over darkness and of good against evil doers”, adding that those who desire to make money by any means would always meet a dead end

    According to him, the Justice Ministry would continue to ensure that judicial means were applied “against those with criminal tendencies in the State”.

  • Anambra corps member wins state award

    Anambra corps member wins state award

    Nawfia Comprehensive Secondary School in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State is a shadow of itself. Though it boasts of many affluent old boys, their status is not rubbing off on their alma mater.

    The President of the Old Boys association, Dr Oliver Onwughalu, said their response to calls for help has not been encouraging.

    However, a corps member, Lawal Olabode Emmanuel Prince, has done more than the old boys for the school by embarking on many community service projects.

    Lawalwon a state award for executing 60 projects in one year and probably would win a national award from the Batch ‘C’ during the National Awards hosted by President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Lawal worked in 15 different establishments during his service year. He served as the Chief Medical Director to both Nigerian Christian Corpers Fellowship and Anglican Corpers Fellowship; he taught Basic Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Further Mathematics and Current Affairs at the school where he executed over 42 projects successfully to the admiration of the Principal, Mr Okechukwu Emmanuel, an old boy of the school.

    Some of the projects that made the Anglican Church, led by Bishop Alex Ibezim, and the state government to recognise Lawal included construction and equipping of a five-bed clinic, which was his flagship project; organising the maiden Local Government Science Quiz Competition where he hosted 15 schools in the council and presented 12 medals for winners, including academic scholarship worth N50,000.

    The sick bay or clinic he built will serve a population of over 1,500 students within the school and beyond.

    His works accorded him over 15 commendation letters from public and private organisations before his Passing out Parade (POP). Hence he was one of those who received an award from the state government, which was handed over by the Deputy Governor, Mr Emeka Sibeudu.

    Speaking on Lawal’s exploits, especially the clinic, Mr Emmanuel said Lawal remains the best corps member in the history of the school.

    He said: “Lawal never went on holidays. He worked Mondays to Sundays because the school has a boarding school. Even till 8pm, you will still see him within the school. He transformed virtually every department in the school; donated a modern clinic, empowered over 1000 students and workers in cosmetology, equipped the school band, bought a fumigating machine and fumigated the school hostel to fight against malaria, which is part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

    “Lawalloves his country and I will recommend him for a national award. He was well trained from home as he respected the school authority and the students. He is energetic, passionate, God fearing and very intelligent. He is a genius and a blessing to Nigeria.”

    The school in conjunction with Nawfia community gave the title, Okaaobuluzor 1 Na Nawfia, meaning “a man that will say a thing and will be the first to do it.”

    The traditional ruler of Nawfia, Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, said Lawal’s presence in Nawfia was felt by all.

    “His love for community development is amazing. He did everything possible to leave a landmark that people of my community will never forget. He was able to fulfill the purpose for NYSC,” he said.

    On his part, Deputy Director, Post Primary Secondary School Commission, Anambra state, Mr Umerie Anthony, said Lawal should be recognised for his immerse contribution to education development in the state, especially for the competition he organised.

    Despite Lawal’s noble efforts, former Principal of the school and an alumnus, Mr J.O. Igwebuike, said the school is in a dire need of attention of the old boys to revamp the failing structures and contain the environmental degradation. He lamented that the hostels and classrooms are dilapidated while the school lacks water. He also claimed that portions of the school land have been taken by neigbouring family.

     

     

    Igwebuike said further that the paucity of teachers has contributed to the continuous drop in the pupil population which now stands at 1,400, with only 150 of them resident in the dilapidated hostels.