The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Corps member

  • Corps member holds acquisition summit

    Corps member holds acquisition summit

    A Corps member serving in Ogun State, Tosin Adesile, has organised a skills development workshop to train youths in various vocations. The event was held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre Iwe-Irohin House, Abeokuta, the state capital.

    The exercise, Tosin said, was aimed at preparing the youths for job creation, noting that it was the only way to tackle unemployment.

    The event was attended by Mr Lekan Otufodunrin, Editor, Online and Special Publications of The Nation who was represented by Mr Sanmi Falobi. Others were Niyi Olatidoye, member of Advisory Board of Tosin Adesile Footprints, Mr Tunde Lemo, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), represented by Abiodun Joawo; Ogun State Coordinator of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), T.I. Anosike, represented by Adedeji Tajudeen and Dr John Oni.

    In his address, Lemo described the event as timely and a platform to help youths take advantage of opportunities and confront the problem of unemployment.

    ‘’The youth form a critical sector of any society. They are great assets to any nation, especially when they are properly utilised. But the current youth unemployment rate estimated at 23.9 per cent is an indication that we are not maximising their potentials for economic growth. That is what informed the various initiatives under the transformation agenda which seeks to unlock avenues for employment generation, innovation and enterprise among our youth,’’ he said.

    He said the CBN has been supporting employment generation through the establishment of Entrepreneurshp Development Centres in the six geopolitical zones of the country, adding that over 4,800 new businesses have been created through the scheme since inception. Lemo said that the Federal Government has been meeting the funding needs of young entrepreneurs through the YOU-WIN programme.

    Anosike said the programme was in line with the skills acquisition programme of NYSC. He advised participants to maximise the platform for self development.

    Olatidoye charged the youth to acquire additional skills aside their course of study.

    ‘’It’s high time the youth took their destiny in their hands through entrepreneurship. It is only the hard working and the determined that will eat the fruit of the land,’’ he stated.

    Otufodunrin urged the youth to make productive use of the skills acquired during the programme, observing that acquisition of vocational skills is the solution to the problem of unemployment.

    Dr Oni of the Incubation Centre, said that as the nation faces the challenges of a rising youth population, vocational skills were needed to stem the tide of unemployment.

    ‘’Technology incubation in Nigeria, if properly harnessed, will help in improving employment opportunities for the youth who roam the streets daily I search of non-existent jobs. White collar jobs are no longer enough. There is the need for a paradigm shift.’’

    Participants were divided into various skills sessions, such as video documentary and camera handling, computer graphics and design, energy, blogging, cream making and decoration. Certificates of participation were awarded to all the trainees.

    Tosin thanked everyone who supported the project, saying the training would make a difference in the lives of the youth.

  • Bayelsa to fly injured corps member abroad, says NYSC

    Bayelsa to fly injured corps member abroad, says NYSC

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has said the Bayelsa State government is set to fly the injured corps member, Folakemi Akinbode, out of the country for further treatment.

    Akinbode was attacked on her way home by two assailants.

    A statement by the NYSC Director-General, Brig-Gen Nnamdi Okore Affia, denied reports that one of the victim’s hands was chopped off.

    The statement said the report was embarrassing, considering the fact that both hands of the corps member were intact after the attack.

    “To set the records straight, it is worthy of note that Miss Folakemi Akinbode, a corps member serving with the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobi, was attacked by hoodlums believed to be robbers.

    “Miss Folakemi Akinbode’s hand was not chopped off. Her two hands are intact but for the injuries sustained in her right hand during the attack. “The extent of the injuries inflicted on her was exaggerated by the various media organisations that published the story,” Gen Affia said.

    The NYSC added that the corps member was receiving treatment at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobi, adding that the Bayelsa State Government is set to fly her abroad for further treatment.

    “We therefore urge the media to always cross-check their source of information to avoid publishing stories capable of misleading the public.

    “The public should therefore disregard the exaggeration of some of the publications,” the statement said.

  • Attacked corps member to be flown abroad

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Miss Folakemi Akinbode, who was attacked by hoodlums in Bayelsa State, may be flown abroad for treatment.

    The 26-year old, who hails from Ondo State, had her right hand chopped off by bandits.

    The hoodlums accosted the Madonna University Nursing graduate on her way home from the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, where she was serving.

    She was said to have regained consciousness at the teaching hospital a day after the incident, and was transferred to the Federal Medical Centre.

    But there is an arrangement to fly her abroad for advanced treatment.

    It was learnt that the foreign medical trip is being facilitated by an activist and presidential aspirant in the forthcoming Ijaw Youth Council’s election, Udens Eradiri.

    Eradiri, it was gathered, visited the recovering corps member, donated N100,000 for her treatment and promised to procure her visa.

    The aspirant was said to have visited the host community of the corps member and held a meeting with the monarch and youths.

    In a telephone interview, the IYC aspirant said he was discussing with the government to finalise the trip.

    He described the incident as barbaric and one of the challenges of development.

    “I am not doing this because I am an aspirant. I am an Ijaw youth and this incident that happened in Ijaw land is embarrassing.

    “Youth corps members are national assets that must be respected and protected and I call on well-meaning Bayelsans to identify with the pains the corps member is going through. We are working on her passport and talking with the government to fly her abroad.”

    It was learnt that two persons had been arrested by the police in connection with the incident.

    Ebi Jatto and Weriye Aluwa were said to have been arrested while attempting to sell a mobile phone they allegedly snatched from the corps member.

    They were said to have confessed to the crime, claiming they attacked the corps member because she refused to give them money.

    The Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Governor, Benard Kennebai, confirmed that the hoodlums were arrested by the operatives of the state security outfit, Operation Doo-Akpo.

    Kennebai, in a statement, explained the circumstances that led to the incident.

    He said: “The hoodlums, earlier in the day under pretence went to the Niger Delta Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri to donate blood.

    “However, after being attended to by the victim, they were paid an undisclosed amount by the hospital management through Akinbode.

    “After effecting the payment, the hoodlums, (not cultists as reported) waylaid the corps member and attacked her with machete and cudgels.

    “Disturbed by the incident, the State Special Security Task Force swung into action and its efforts paid off with the arrest of the perpetrators, Weri Malua and Ebi West Jato, while the operatives are trailing the others.”

    He said the suspects were arrested, following a tip-off.

    Kennebai added: “The Special Task Force, around 1:30pm, received a call at the State Government’s Security Coordination Centre, which eventually led to the arrest of the two in Gbarain, Yenagoa Local Government Area.

    “Members of our team raided the area and arrested Weri and Ebi with a machete and two phones- a Blackberry and Nokia belonging to the corps member.

    “Weri and Ebi have been handed over to the Police for further interrogation while the police are on the trail of other suspects.”

  • A Corps member’s lending hand

    A Corps member’s lending hand

    Augustine Okorodudu left a mark in the community where he did his National Youth Service and won the people’s hearts. He undertook  47 projects, ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU reports.

    Staff and pupils of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, Abagana (NASSA) in Njikoka Local Government Area were moody as a Corps member, Augustine Okorodudu, bid them farewell. The school was Augustine’s place of primary assignment.

    Some of the pupils fought back tears as Augustine packed his personal effects to leave the school after the completion of his Youth Service.

    The pupils trooped to Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, where the passing-out ceremony was being held for Batch “B”2012 Corps members. Augustine was among the outgoing Corps members honoured by the Anambra State government for outstanding service to the state during their service year.

    The Igwe of Abagana, Obi Mbamalu Okeke (JP), with his council of chiefs, NASSA Principal Mr Clems Ofoedu, and men and women wings of Abagana Welfare Union led the crowd of people, who joined Augustine to receive the state award.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that Augustine did not only leave behind a good legacy and projects, he impacted his host community positively. He was the toast of the day when it was announced that he executed no fewer than 47 projects during his service year.

    Augustine, with state code number AN/12B/0575, hails from Ebu in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. He is the first on the list of 12 outstanding Corps members of 3,200 Batch “B” 2012 set, who rendered meritorious service to the state. The 27-year-old studied Mass Communication at the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.

    Governor Peter Obi lauded the “excellent performance” of Augustine, stood him out from the crowd, assuring him that the state would continue to appreciate his service.

    Urging the youths to learn from Augustine’s achievements, Obi said dedication and commitment of the Corps member to sacrifice his time and resources for the benefit of his community must be recognised.

    The governor, represented by his Deputy, Emeka Sibeudu, lamented the attitude of some Corps members, who he said, were not committed to the primary goal of the Service. Such youths, he said, always left their host community the way they met it.

    Co-ordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the state, Mrs Bassey Inyang Ekpe, praised the awardees, describing them as good ambassadors of the scheme. She singled out Augustine for rendering unparallel service, urging him not to relent in his future endeavour.

    Igwe Okeke and Ofoedu appealed to the Federal Government to grant Augustine an automatic job, saying his innovative skills would be a waste if he was not immediately engaged after the service year.

    Augustine left a lasting legacy in his host community by developing a vast cassava farmland to cater for indigent widows and organising Students Productive Life Initiative (SPLIN) in 11 schools across the council. He donated copies of the Bible, food items, brooms, waste baskets, toiletries to the prison inmates at Amawbia in Awka South Local Government Area.

    He renovated the NYSC signboard at the state secretariat in Amawbia, which was pulled down when the road was being rehabilitated. He participated in the rural rugged evangelism organised by the Nigeria Christian Corpers Fellowship (NCCF) Anambra chapter at Awba Ofemili Community, a disaster-prone zone where relief materials and free medicare for men and children were rendered free.

    Other projects he executed included immunisation against polio for children in Abagana, and skill empowerment training for women in cosmetics production in the three local government areas.

    His initiatives and projects attracted over 17 recommendations and commendations from prominent community members, corporate organisations, government agencies, the academia, churches, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and NYSC officials.

    CAMPUSLIFE learnt that the inauguration of each project attracted dignitaries in the state.

    Speaking on his motivation, Augustine said his drive stemmed from the purpose of the scheme, which is to imbibe the spirit of selfless service to the nation in the youths.

    He said: “Widows are weighed down by myriad challenges, which bring them sorrow, pain, suffering, confusion and put them in distress. Widowhood comes with trauma and I believe hunger is the main problem they grapple with. Farm for Widows project is part of my personal contributions to the realisation of the scheme’s objectives and the attainment of food sufficiency in the country.

    “I wish to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the transition chairman of Njikoka Local Government Area, Chief Dazza Udeozo, his deputy, Hon. George Okaro, and all staff of the council for their support and encouragement.”

    He also appreciated Mr Chris Okonkwo, principal partners, Save the Youth Empowerment Foundation (SAYEF) and his wife, for supporting his projects.

  • Corps member drowns in river

    Corps member drowns in river

    Weekends in Ikom village, Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State, are always busy with fishing, the major occupation of the villagers. It was not different penultimate Sunday as the villagers trooped to the river. Many were fishing. Some came to swim; others to wash their clothes.

    In the throng were some Corps members, who chose to play handball at the bank of the river. But, a few minutes into the game, one of them got drowned in the river.

    Onlookers wondered how the late Faith Nzube Enemuo got into the river. Initially, it was learnt that the Corps members were playing on the shore. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that one of them pleaded with his colleagues to move the game into the river.

    “There were about 10 of them, who came to play handball on the dry land near the Ikom River. One of them suggested that they should move closer to the river, but the suggestion was opposed by other Corps members, including the late Faith,” a villager told CAMPUSLIFE.

    But when her colleagues moved the game close to the river, the late Faith was said to have joined them reluctantly.

    The ball fell into the river, an eyewitness said, and the late Faith offered to fetch the ball, which was moving faster away from the shoreline.

    “The late Faith stood close to the river for a few seconds, after which she dived to bring the ball out. Her colleagues watched in excitement as she swam close to the ball. But, in a moment, she stopped and started waving her hands. They thought she was still playing, until they didn’t see her again on the water surface.”

    When her colleagues realised what was happening, they signalled to the villagers, who were swimming in the river. After 10 minutes of frantic search, the rescuers could not find the girl. More villagers offered to help with canoes and fishing instruments, but they could not get her.

    Two days later, the late Faith’s body was found on the Okuni Beach in the neighbouring village.

    The other Corps members declined to speak with our correspondents when contacted.

    The late Faith was a Batch “C” member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with state code number CR/12C/068.

    She hailed from Nanka Village in Anambra State. A graduate of Social Studies from the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), the late Faith was serving at Ikom Local Council before her death.

    When CAMPUSLIFE got to Okuni Village, her body had already been evacuated from the beach and deposited at Emeka Mortuary, by Corps members with the help of policemen.

    President of Okuni Community Youth Mr Emmanuel Nsor Alobi narrated how the villagers discovered the body. He said: “We were contacted on Sunday by the Divisional Police Officer that a girl got drowned in Ikom River. He urged us to keep vigilance at the river to observe possible passage of the body on Okuni Beach. I sent the information to other villagers to look out for the body.”

    Alobi said the body was discovered at Okuni Beach in the early hours of Tuesday by an excavator, whose name was given as Pius Ogbonnaya. “He saw the body floating on the beach of Okuni while he was going for his business. Pius called my attention and he immediately notified the DPO for further actions. But before the police and officials of NYSC in Ikom arrived, other youths had assisted Pius to bring out the decomposing body,” Alobi said.

    The Ikom Local Government Inspector of NYSC, Mr Ekerette Judah Udoekpo, said he was awaiting directive from the zonal inspector on what to do next.

    The Corps’ Liaison Officer (CLO) in the local government, Danjuma Zira Khaly, said the incident was sad, confirming that 10 Corps members went to play handball at the Ikom River. He described Faith’s death as a “big loss to the NYSC in Cross River State.”

    It is being rumoured that the late Faith was pushed into the river by yet unidentified person but a villager, who pleaded anonymity, debunked the claim. He said: “I was there when the incident happened. I don’t see any reason someone should lie about the issue. If anyone pushed her into the river, the first thing the people around would have done would be to hold the person. But she jumped into the river willingly to bring out the ball she was playing with her colleagues.”

    A Corps member, who went to play at the river, Ifeanyi Gidofot, declined to speak with CAMPUSLIFE when contacted.

    He said he had been under pressure to give out information since the incident occurred, saying he would not comment on it further.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Cross River State Command, John Umoh, said autopsy had been conducted on the body.

  • Corps member marks birthday with orphans

    Corps member marks birthday with orphans

    A  Batch “B’ Corps member, Miss Aishat Abdulkadir, serving in Awka South Local Government, Anambra State, marked her 26th birthday with orphans in the Ministry of Women Affairs in the state.

    The ceremony was held last Sunday.

    Aishat visited the orphanage home in company of her colleagues at about 12 noon. The kids were cheerful as they received them.

    Aisha told CAMPUSLIFE: “We must all show the orphans our kind heart with a view to make them not to think about their predicament because of not being with their biological parents. I have deep concern for the abandoned and the neglected in the society. I believe as we are reaching out to communities through our services as Corps members, we should also reach out to this special class of people. They are part of the society and we must treat them as one.”

    The Ahmadu Bello University graduate of Geography said she hoped to build an orphanage home in the future, saying: “we have to put in our best to make lives worth living for the orphans. “

    On the reasons why she marked her birthday with the motherless children, Aishat said: “I have passion for children and I love attending to the abandoned children. Anytime I see children, I just want to be around them.”

    She also counselled parents to educate their daughters on the importance and honour of motherhood and the benefits of caring for their offspring. She said if a girl-child was properly mentored, she would not get unwanted pregnancy or be tempted to abandon her baby.

    Aishat cut cake with children and donated domestic materials to the orphans. In appreciation, the children sang and pray for long life for the celebrator. Earlier, Aishat visited hospitals to pray for the sick.