The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Corps

  • From Corps member, pupils get entrepreneurship tips

    From Corps member, pupils get entrepreneurship tips

    A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Miss Yetunde Sanni, of the 2014 Batch C, has trained 56 pupils from various public secondary schools in Lagos on some entrepreneurship skills.

    The Microbiology graduate of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), with the help of some others, took the pupils through make-up and head-gear tying, catering and event decoration, ankara craft, photography and bead making.

    Speaking to The Nation at the Isolo Local Government Development Area (LCDA), venue of the training, Sanni said since she would be signing out of the NYSC programme in October, she decided to do the training as a project and to contribute to the society.

    “As a young entrepreneur, my passion made me think about giving opportunities to other young people and I also saw it as giving back to the society while I am still doing my youth service,” she said.

    She said trainee pupils were drawn from seven school in Isolo LCDA, which she selected after visiting the schools as a means of catching the pupils young.  Asked how she got funds to carry out the project, she said the programme was funded by some corporate bodies, and some kind-hearted individuals.

    According to her, she raised over N350 000 for the project. As a professional make-up artist, Sanni said she taught the make-up class but got other professionals to teach the pupils other vocations.

    She called on the Federal Government to consolidate on its achievements on entrepreneurship.

    She recounted that her greatest challenge was funding. “It wasn’t easy for people to assist because it is not everybody that believes in your dream. You have to keep going to offices, writing letters and doing follow-up. If that is out of it, I think we will have a lot of things going on in our society.

    “We actually planned on empowering secondary school pupils only but adults came in to join us. I was surprised on the first day,” she added.

    She advised the students to continue from where she stopped.

    “It doesn’t stop here. This is just a starting point for you,’’ she said.

    On her part, HOD Education, Isolo LCDA, Mrs Olajumoke Akinyemi praised Sanni for her effort.

     

  • Corps members visit Ondo Prison

    Olokuta Prison Yard in Ondo State hosted Corps members in Akure South Local Government on their community development service. The visiting youths, under the aegis of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences and National Anti-Corruption Volunteers Corps, were led by Alex Ojekunle, their president.

    The purpose of the visit was to identify with inmates of the prison and sensitise them on corruption, its implications on the nation’s wellbeing and how to stop it.

    Alex told the inmates that corruption was the cause of the bad state of the nation, saying it was also responsible for subversion of justice system. He said respect for human rights and equality before the law remained hallmarks corruption-free society.

    The Corps members were received and conducted round the facility by a Deputy Controller of Prison, who said the society had abandoned the inmates.

    The Corps members divided themselves into groups and interacted with the inmates on social, economic, and political issues. Some of them were moved to tears as the inmates lamented how corruption was affecting their wellbeing in the prison.

    “We are at the receiving end of corruption in the society. Life is hard for us here, because about 180 of us occupy a cell room originally built for 30 inmates,” one of them said.

    “Help us pass this message to our government officials, judiciary and legislature that we want a viable ad independent judicial system because some of us are suffering the slowness of our judicial process,” an inmate awaiting trial said.

    Blessing Oko, a Batch “A” Corps member, told the inmates to be prayerful and assured them that they are useful to the society.

     

  • Corps member’s parting gifts to AAUA

    Corps member’s parting gifts to AAUA

    For erecting seven direction signposts as parting gifts to Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, the school management has praised John Adeniyi, a Batch “B” National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member.

    Unveiling the signposts, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, represented by his deputy for Academic, Prof Oluyemisi Adebowale, described the Corps member’s gesture as useful gift for the university.

    Adebowale said: “The university appreciates you for leaving a legacy by donating these locational signposts. This is not about donation; it is about making a difference.”

    Prof. Adebowale said the Corps member has made an indelible mark in the university and would be remembered for his selfless service. She urged other Corps members to make positive impact on their host communities.

    The Acting Librarian, Dr Olujide Ajidahun, under whom the Corps member served, said, “We have had Corps members in the Library over the years, but we have noticed that John is the best of all. He is always punctual, diligent, humble, courteous, responsible and full of ideas.”

    The Director of Physical Planning and Development, Mr Emmanuel Orimoloye, hailed the Corps member for the initiative, noting that the signposts would ease location of faculties for new visitors.

    The NYSC Zonal Inspector in Akoko, Mr Adedotun Adegboyega, said the Corps member made the body proud. He thanked the university management for providing conducive atmosphere for Corps members to have successful service year.

    Responding, John noted that the idea was conceived in April to give direction to facilities on the campus. He said he gained useful experience during his service period in the university, appreciating the management for its support.

    John graduated from of Library and Information Technology at the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT MINNA) in Niger State and had his primary assignment at the AAUA library.

  • Corps members give pupils writing materials

    Corps members give pupils writing materials

    No fewer than 40 pupils of L.G.E. Community Nursery and Primary School in Iyano-Share in Ifelodun Local Government Area Kwara State have received writing materials from Corps members serving in the town.

    The materials were donated  as part of the Corps members’ Community Development Service (CDS).

    The Corps members said they felt the urge to respond to the pupils’ need through charity. Their leader Onyedikachi Ibezim advised his colleagues to continue to promote peace and development in their places of primary assignment.

    He said: “We must promote peace and harmony in our area of assignment. By doing this, we will promote development, because when we love and care for one another needs, we exhibit love to our nation.”

    The Headmaster, Mr. O. Ojibo, said he was overwhelmed by the  gesture, noting the Corps members showed rare kindness and care. He said the school had been battling with dilapidating infrastructure and teaching facilities, among others.

    The school, he said, need  classrooms and teaching materials that would enhance learning. His words: “The roofs of some of the classrooms have been blown off by wind and we expect the government and good-spirited individuals to come to our rescue, so that the pupils can learn in a conducive environment. The government only promised to do it but nothing has been done.”

    A teacher, who did not want her name in print, hailed the Corps members for the gesture, saying it was a good way to give back to the society. She said the pupils’ parents would be happy about it.

    A pupil, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the Corps members for their gesture.

  • Corps member trains 1000 students

    Corps member trains 1000 students

    A Batch B member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Omolekan Ajibola, serving with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ebonyi State, has trained about 1000 secondary school pupils on career choices.

    Ajibola who selected the students from three government secondary schools in Ebonyi Local Government Area said the training exercise was his contribution in the Community Development Service (CDS) of the NYSC.

    He said that he was motivated to organise the training having identified that students of government schools in the state lacked information and orientation about making sustainable career choices.

    “That is why I have embarked on this CDS project to enlighten the students on how to choose a sustainable career,” said corper Ajibola.

    Ajibola stated that he was hopeful that after the three days training, the participants would be able to choose a sustainable career by being a able to identify their strengths and weaknesses and work on themselves for the future.

    Ajibola also donated 40-leaf exercise books to the students.

    He appealed to government at all levels to employ teachers on career guidance and counseling so that students would be properly guided at all times on how to make sustainable career noting that in doing this the students would be fully developed to face the realities of life.

    The training which were anchored on two themes: ‘How to choose a sustainable career in life’ and ‘Developing a successful career strategy’, were handled by resource persons.

    In an interview with the Principal Inspector, Community Development Service (CDS) in state NYSC secretariat, Mr. Christian Obidimma noted that it was important to make a wise career choice in the sense that it helps one not to make a wrong step.

    Mr. Obidimma who described the seminar as a rare opportunity for the students to boast their sense of belonging in building their future, appealed to government to introduce skill acquisition programmes in schools to reduce unemployment in the country.

    He commended the initiative of Ajibola for organising such a  programme adding that teachers have a lot to do in guiding students toward making a right career choice just as he urged other well meaning Nigerians to emulate from the organiser of the training programme.

    During the training, the students were urged to do thing that will help them achieve their objectives instead of wasting their career in things that would not guarantee their future.

    They harped on the need for people to do things that they would be happy doing rather than considering its monetary value just as the students were educated on the need to know their value, personality and skills.

    The students who participated in the training including Eze Marvelous applauded the training as according to them it has opened a new vista in their academic journey.

    Eze Marvelous noted that the training has impacted her life and pledged to be guided by what she has learnt in making a sustainable career just as she advocated for similar training in schools across the state.

     

  • Corps members lift orphans

    Materials worth thousands of naira were, last Thursday, donated to Da’awah Academy Orphanage in Tunfere, Gombe State by five outgoing Batch “A” Corps members.

    During the presentation, the donors’ spokesperson,  Joseph Oluwajunse, said the donation was as a way of thanking God for sparing their lives during the service year.

    Receiving the items, the orphanage’s head, Mallam Abubakar, praised the Corps members for identifying with the less-privileged.

    He urged other Corps members and politicians to assist orphans to actualise their dreams.

     

  • Corps member in coma after road accident

    A Batch “B” Corps member, Hashimu Haruna, is in  critical condition, following an accident at Kashare Junction in Gombe State, last Sunday. At the time of this report, he was unconscious at the Federal Hospital in Gombe.

    The other occupant of the car, who was his brother, was said to have died on the spot.

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the vehicle sommersaulted, following a brake fault.

    It was learnt that the Corps member, who hails from Nasarawa State, studied Sociology at the Nasarawa State University in Keffi (NSUK). Hashimu is said to be breathing with the aid of oxygen.

    Hashimu’s mother, his colleagues and top staff of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have visited him. His colleagues described the accident as unfortunate.

    A Batch “C” Corps member in the state, Phibi Paul, has lost her four-year-old baby, Issachar Apollos. The child died of fever and diarrhoea at a metro clinic at the Federal Low-cost Area of the state capital.

    Phibi, a member of Publicity Community Development Service (CDS) group of the NYSC, described her baby’s death as sorrowful when her colleagues visited her.

    The Corps members Liaison Officer (CLO), Tope Majekodunmi, said members shared in her grief.

  • ‘168,000 corps members for INEC’s assignment’

    ‘168,000 corps members for INEC’s assignment’

    About 168,000 corps members that have registered to serve as ad-hoc workers in the general elections may participate in the exercise.

    The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Johnson Olawumi, said this at the weekend at a news briefing on the national honours award of the scheme scheduled for today.

    The NYSC boss said although 34,000 passed out of the scheme recently, they would still be used as ad-hoc workers during the exercise.

    Brig.-Gen. Olawumi, who said about 2.8 million Nigerians have participated in the NYSC since its inception, added that the scheme had put in place watertight strategy that would guarantee the safety of the corps members during the elections.

    He also added that about 164 ex-corps members that distinguished themselves during their service year would be rewarded by President Goodluck Jonathan today.

  • Corps member gives scholarship

    A batch ‘A’ corps member, serving at St Brendan’s Secondary School, Iyamoyong, Obubra Local Government Area, Cross River State, Joshua Orege, has given scholarships to six orphans in the council.

    The scholarship was presented to the secondary school pupils at the inauguration of a statue, also endowed by Orege near the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp.

    At the event held at the Local Government Council Hall in Obubra, Orege said he gave the scholarship to reduce illiteracy among the less privileged and give them access to quality education.

    Orege, who graduated from the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, as the best Chemistry student said: “After observing that for several weeks these children did not go to school because nobody could pay their school fees, I decided to place the burden on myself to the best of my ability.”

    He urged wealthy Cross Riverians to initiate scholarship schemes for orphans and downtrodden children in Obubra.

    The Cross River State NYSC Coordinator, Alhaji Habibu Kurawa praised Orege for supporting educational advancement in the state.

    Represented by the HOD, Community Development Service (CDS), Mr Chuka Osuagwu, he advised the beneficiaries to utilize the opportunity well and stay focused.

    He also charged other corps members to emulate the good work done by Orege.

    One of the beneficiaries, Ekpang Gift Ngbongha, an SS1 pupil of Egara Community Secondary School, Iyametet, appreciated Orege for “giving them hope to return to school.”

    The event was graced by dignitaries, including traditional rulers, NYSC officials, school administrators, and guardians of the children.

    Orege has also organised free coaching classes for pupils in the Iyamoyong community, constructed road safety signpost and donated stools to the chemistry laboratory of his place of primary assignment.

     

  • Letter to Corps members

    Letter to Corps members

    Aduaya to my fellow Corps members and good citizens of Nigeria. It is with deep sense of modesty and respect that I write this letter to you today about the general elections, which has just been postponed to March 28. It is very pertinent and germane to urge us to reawaken the spirit of patriotism in us and make render a selfless service to our country.

    This missive is rather timely, especially at this critical period in the history of Nigeria when people are again faced with another opportunity to change the destiny of this country. We must act towards upholding the honour and glory of our nation.

    Whatever decision we make, we should be sure that it will have significant effect on us and posterity, either positively or the other way.

    Our inputs as ad-hoc electoral officers during the elections must be a road map for the Nigeria we all aspire and desire to live in. Our actions during on the election day should be more of a clarion call and our activities should portray that of a patriotic citizen. It is our duty to shun every form of electoral malpractices and violence.

    The role of Corps members in all states of the federation cannot be underestimated. Notwithstanding, Corps members’ contribution to this nation, during elections, cannot be well-compensated with political appointment, money, filthy largesse  or whatever gift that politicians can push forward.

    Our role in the elections is a duty to protect the mandate of the people towards reshaping the country and make Nigeria a better society for all of us. We must not compromise the will of the people and subvert the electoral process because of personal gains.

    Aside being Corps members, we are also Nigerians. Therefore, efforts of the people to vote for candidates they deem would provide an enabling environment for us all, create job opportunities, give us better welfare, drinkable water and stable power supply, should not be traded for an immediate reward. Our reward shall come from the improved economy and job creation.

    It is on this note that I enjoin all members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to be diligent, hardworking and morally upright during the elections to guarantee us a nation where travesty and parody of justice will go into extinction.

    We can make the poll credible and generally-acceptable by being extremely disciplined, indefatigable and conscious of our acts during the process. We need to obey the clarion call to serve with good and pure mind. May God bless Nigeria.

     

    •Alex is a Corps member, NYSC Akure