The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NYSC

  • As Olawumi bows out of NYSC

    SIR: The immediate past Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Johnson Olawumi has officially handed over to his successor, Sule Kazaure. As one of the recent ex-corps members that passed out on April 14, I can boldly declare that Olawumi is a rare breed in the Nigerian military. Not only is he a great leader, he is also a father to the core.

    Military officers are notorious for their insensitivity to the plights of people. News about the Nigerian military often depicts them as hard-hearted and unwilling to listen to the common man. The dictatorial tendency flows across all countries.

    Johnson Olawumi was different. One of his greatest weapons was the fact that he was an excellent communicator. He understands the power of ceaseless communication between the leaders and the led. His tenure as the DG of NYSC was adorned with mutual understanding and mutual respect.

    Due to his sensitivity to the technological dynamism of our current milieu, he made the official twitter of the scheme one of the most active twitter handles owned by government parastatals. Through this platform, he was able to quickly and directly hear the complaints by thousands of corps members in the country. His quick action to complaints was also excellent. These to a large extent averted major showdowns by corps members.

    Even as Olawunmi has been redeployed, I appeal to Sule Kazaure to take it up from there and make the scheme more enviable. I also wish Olawumi the best in his future military endeavours.

     

    • Simon Godwin,

    NYSC Batch A 2015, Odogbolu, Ogun State.

  • Kazaure takes over as NYSC chief

    Brigadier -General Sule Zakari Kazaure on Monday took over as 17th Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with a promise to prioritise the welfare of corps members and staff.

    Speaking at the handing over ceremony in Abuja, Kazaure acknowledged that the tasks ahead are huge, but with unity of purpose, they will be surmounted.

    “I know that the tasks ahead are enormous and the road is rough, but with unity of purpose we will make progress,” he said.

    Earlier, the immediate past DG of NYSC, Brig-Gen. Johnson Olawumi, said their agitation to review the monthly allowance of the serving corps members would soon be yielding the desired result.

    He urged the Federal Government to expedite action on the process.

    “You may not be aware that series of letters have been written and necessary follow-up made to the appropriate authorities on the need for the proper funding of the Scheme especially now that the current corps population is over 260,000.

    “We have also brought to government’s attention the urgent need to increase some allowances due to Corps members and recent response suggests a strong ray of light at the end of the tunnel.

    He noted that the scheme recently secured a N150million sponsorship deal with a telecommunication firm, GLOBACOM.

    “However, I am happy to inform you that pursuant to my Agenda 3 which is to expand partnership of the Scheme with critical stakeholders for greater impact, funding and support, the management recently secured N150 Million sponsorship deal with GLOBACOM Nigeria Limited.

     

  • Rivers re-run election: Slain corps member buried amidst tears

    Rivers re-run election: Slain corps member buried amidst tears

    The youth corper who was killed during the re-run election in Rivers State, Samuel Chukwudumebi Okonta was Friday buried amidst tears in his hometown, Illah in Oshimili North council area of Delta State .

    Relatives, friends, youth corpers and officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) sobbed uncontrollably when the remains of the late graduate of political science were lowered into the grave.

    The slain corper was posted to Yobe State last year for his primary assignment, but was redeployed to Rivers State, his birth place for primary assignment until he was engaged as ad hoc staff by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the re-run election.

    He had submitted the result of the election in his polling unit to the INEC and was returning home in the same village where he was serving before he was shot along with two others who survived.

    Elder brother of the deceased, Ify Henry Okonta at the funeral service at Holy Family Catholic Church described Dumebi as a rare gem, focused and down to earth person adding that Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State had promised to rebuild the NYSC secretariat in Port Harcourt and to rename it after his late brother as a way of immortalizing him.

    The casket bearing the late corper arrived in their family house at Ogbe Orji in Illah at about 11.20am from Port Harcourt Friday in an ambulance with registration number Abuja: RSA 414 A accompanied by officials of NYSC in Rivers State led by  Mrs. Juliet Ibianuka, Assistant Director Corps Welfare who was also represented the state coordinator, Mrs. Ngozi Nwakeleji.

    The head of NYSC delegation from Abuja Mrs. Rhoda Kaka Kwaka who represented the Director General of the Corps Brig. Gen Johnson Olawumi, Delta State co-ordinator, Mrs. Olive Essien Etukudo, and Corps members, Delta state resident Electoral Commission Banitor Kpagih and other INEC officials received the remains of Samuel Okonta.

    Highlight of the burial was a novelty football match by Illah Footballers Association (IFA) at Omorka model primary school, to honour one of their own Dumebi  who was twice the best player of Steven Keshi football competition in 2006 and 2007 .

    Keshi former super Eagles coach is a native of Illah, and according to the chairman of (IFA) Barr. Nelson Okomma, the late corper was a valuable footballer in the community.

    In his homily at the funeral services at Holy family Catholic Church Illah Rev. Father Henry Ogonwa advised youths not be discouraged by what the elders are doing in the country but rather to use their potentials to change the course of events.

    The cleric who condemned a situation where people want to become leaders at the expense of lives of others noted with sadness that “our brother has become a victim  of political class”, charging those who occupied public offices and knew they can no longer serve to give way rather than sitting tight.

    He called for the immortalization of the late youth corper who died while on national assignment.

    He however enjoined all to pray for Nigeria in other to protect the lives of its citizens.

  • No reduction in corps members’ allowance, says NYSC

    No reduction in corps members’ allowance, says NYSC

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has denied social media reports on the alleged 25 per cent reduction in corps members’ allowance.

    A statement by its Director of Press and Public Relations, Abosede Aderibigbe, said the statement was false, mischievous and a figment of the writer’s imagination.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the NYSC management has been drawn to a statement being circulated in the social media about a purported reduction in corps members’ allowance by 25 per cent.

    “Management wishes to inform corps members and the public that the statement is false, mischievous and a figment of the writer’s imagination.

    “Corps members, in particular, are enjoined to disregard the rumour and remain focused as they continue the service to their fatherland.”

     

  • NYSC denies reduction in corps members allowance

    NYSC denies reduction in corps members allowance

    The management of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC Tuesday denied social media reports of a 25 percent reduction in corps members allowance.

    The NYSC in a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Scheme, Abosede Aderibigbe said the statement is false, mischievous and a figment of the writer’s imagination

    The statement reads in parts, “The attention of the NYSC Management has been drawn to a statement being circulated in the Social Media about a purported reduction in Corps members’ allowance by 25 percent.

    “Management wishes to inform Corps members and other members of the public that the statement is false, mischievous and a figment of the writer’s imagination.

    “Corps members, in particular, are hereby enjoined to disregard the rumour and remain focused as they continue the service to their fatherland.” Statement said.

  • NYSC launches discount cards

    NYSC launches discount cards

    Excitement was written all over the participants at the weekend as the much expected Nigerian Students and Youth Corpers’ Discount cards (NS&YCDC) was formally launched in Abuja.

    The event which was a crowd puller had guests from all walks of life including the academia, top government functionaries, diplomat corps, public servants, student bodies, politicians, etc.

    The ceremony had Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara as special guest of honour as well as chief launcher and the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig Gen. Bamidele Olawumi as chief hosts, among others.

    Speaker Dogara, who was represented by Hon. Pally Iriase, Deputy Chief Whip of the House, also had former serving members of the lower legislative chamber, Hon. Bimbo Daramola in attendance.

    “The attendance should not be a surprise because with 350,000 partners on board even before the launch, our youths should naturally be excited. The implication being that with this huge partnership at inception with more to follow, the Nigerian youth knows that everywhere he turns for goods and services, there are discount cards available to be enjoyed. They won’t only save some money, they will also be able to get more for the little they have,” Daramola, the Consultant to the project said.

    While challenging users and Nigerians to rate the card in a year after inception, Daramola assured that in two years, the initiative would have served the 23 million Nigerian youths well. Similar cards have been in use in neighbouring Ghana, Kenya and for over three decades have been enjoyed by students in Europe and Americas.

    Upbeat, he said the initiative was in sync with one of the core programme on his eight point agenda. “This card is addressing the welfare issue and that is why he is very optimistic that it will add value to the corpers’ lives. Corpers should be warned not to abuse it by embarking on unnecessary travels because of discuss they will get. We all know the situation of our roads, so please don’t abuse it especially on travel,” he said.

    While launching the card, Iriase who represented the Speaker, in his keynote address said the Nigerian youths need government policies that would cushion the effect of economic difficulties currently facing the country.

  • Tears as NYSC DG visits family of corps member slain in Rivers rerun

    Tears as NYSC DG visits family of corps member slain in Rivers rerun

    Tears flowed freely yesterday in the family home of slain corps member, Chukwudumeibi Okonta, in Ilah, Delta State, when the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig-Gen. Johnson Olawumi, paid a condolence visit to the family.

    Chukwudumeibi Okonta was killed during last week’s rerun election in Rivers State by unknown gunmen.

    Brig-Gen. Olawumi, who was accompanied by the state Coordinator of the scheme, Mrs. Olive Essien Etukudo and other senior officials, expressed sadness and shock over the gruesome murder of the corps member.

    According to him, the late corps member had finished his assignment at the polling unit and was going home when he was shot dead, along with two others, by yet-to-be identified hoodlums.

    The DG assured the family and the entire Ilah community that efforts were being made to apprehend the killers of the corps member, a graduate of Political Science from the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State.

    He assured the people that the NYSC would not abandon the family in their time of grief, promising to participate actively during the burial after a post mortem by the Rivers State government had been carried out.

    Writing in the condolence register, the Director-General described the death of the corps member as sad. “It is so sad that you were cut down in the process of serving your nation.

    “Me, the entire management and staff, as well as all members of the corps nationwide are deeply grieved by your death.

    “I promise that I will not relent until we ensure that those who keep you permanently silent forever are brought to book. Adieu Samuel and RIP.”

    Responding on behalf of the family, Chief Chikwenye Maduku, said they have put in so much to train the slain corps member, adding “we can only pray for the repose of his soul.”

    The eldest sister of the late corps member, Mrs. Victoria Akpa, who wept uncontrollably, told reporters that the boy experienced daunting challenges to complete his academic ambition and that his death was shocking to the family.

    “The news of his death was schooling. They stabbed my heart. They killed me.

    “His father died in 1993 mother, mother in 2015. I have been taking care of him. No relation helped us. Everybody ran away but we managed until he graduated,” Mrs. Akpu said.

    The delegation also visited the traditional ruler of Illah, RM, Obi Akazue Gbemudu 11Ogbelani of Ilah, where the DG praised the prevailing peace in the town.

    The DG later told corps members serving in the community not to be deterred by the circumstances of Samuel Okonta’s death in the discharge of their national assignment.

  • Rivers APC condoles with NYSC on death of corps member

    Rivers APC condoles with NYSC on death of corps member

    Members of the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have paid a condolence visit to the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Johnson Bamidele, on the death of a corps member, Okonta Samuel Dumebi, who was killed during last Saturday rerun election in the state.

    The corps member, who was an ad hoc member of staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was an orphan from Illah, Delta State.

    The APC’s delegation, which was led by the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, was received by the Director, Corps Welfare, Mrs. Rhode Kwaki and other directors of the NYSC.

    Peterside stated that the APC members from Rivers State were at the NYSC’s headquarters in Abuja to condole with the DG and other officials of NYSC, as well as the family of the deceased.

     He said: “We are pained by this irreparable loss and more pained that it happened in our dear state. It is a shame on our country and we feel that sense of loss like you. Our prayers are with you and the family of Okonta Samuel Dumebi.”

    The NIMASA boss also berated the Rivers Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for threatening INEC officials before the March 19 elections, which he insisted led to the avoidable death of the orphan, describing the corps member as a victim of Wike’s hate speeches and viciousness.

    The deceased was also described as a young man with dreams and patriotism, who demonstrated his desire to contribute his quota to the development of Nigeria, assuring that the country would remember him for a long time to come.

     Kwaki, who represented the DG of NYSC, stated that officials of the corps were saddened by the gruesome murder of the young man.

    The NYSC’s director also lauded the APC’s delegation for the visit, stressing that the officials were now encouraged by the support and show of solidarity by the politicians.

    The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Davies Ikanya; the deputy governorship candidate of the party in the April 11 last year’s election, Asita Honourable; and some faithful of the party were part of the delegation.

  • Rivers APC consoles NYSC on death of corps member

    Rivers APC consoles NYSC on death of corps member

    The members of the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have paid a condolence visit to the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Johnson Bamidele, on the unfortunate death of a corps member, Okonta Samuel Dumebi, during last Saturday’s legislative reruns.

    The corps member, who was an ad hoc member of staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was an orphan from Illah, Delta State, but killed on March 19 in Ahoada West LGA of Rivers state, during the elections.

    The APC’s delegation to NYSC, which was led by the Rivers governorship candidate of the party during the April 11 last year’s poll, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, was received by the Director, Corps Welfare, Mrs. Rhode Kwaki, other directors and staff of the NYSC.

    Peterside, who is also the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), stated that the APC members from Rivers state were at the NYSC’s headquarters in Abuja to condole with the DG and other officials of NYSC, as well as the family of the deceased.

    The APC chieftain (Peterside) said: “We are pained at this irreparable loss and more pained that it happened in our dear state. It is a shame on our country and we feel that sense of loss like you. Our prayers are with you and the family of Okonta Samuel Dumebi.”

    The NIMASA boss also berated the Rivers Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for threatening INEC officials before the March 19 elections, which he insisted led to the avoidable death of the orphan, describing the corps member as a victim of Wike’s hate speeches and viciousness.

    The deceased was also described as a young man with dreams and patriotism, who demonstrated his desire to contribute his quota to the development of Nigeria, assuring that the country would remember him for a long time to come.

    Peterside, a former member of the House of Representatives, also promised that the APC in Rivers would join hands with the NYSC to bring an end to the recurring violence and deaths of young Nigerians, insisting that elections should not be avenues for people to lose their lives.

    Kwaki, who represented the DG of NYSC, stated that officials of the corps were saddened by the gruesome murder of the young man.

    The NYSC’s director also lauded the APC’s delegation for the visit, stressing that the officials were now encouraged by the support and show of solidarity by the politicians.

    The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Davies Ikanya; the deputy governorship candidate of the party in the April 11 last year’s election, Asita Honourable; and some faithful of the party were part of the delegation.

  • NYSC vows to support family of slain corps member

    NYSC vows to support family of slain corps member

    The National Youth Service Corps have assured that the family of Corps member Okonta Dumebi Samuel, who was killed by unknown gunmen in Rivers state last Saturday  will not be abandoned.

    The Director-General Brigadier General Johnson Olawumi gave the assurance during condolence visits to the deceased’s family and the palace of the paramount ruler of Illah town in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, the Ogbelani of Illah, Obi Akazue Gbemudu II.

    In a statement issued in Abuja, Olawumi was quoted to have told the family that the NYSC was already working with INEC and the Rivers state government to ensure that Dumebi is given a befitting burial, and to provide support for the bereaved family.

    The Director-General said the NYSC had always made the protection of Corps members a top priority not only during elections, but also throughout the service year.

    He said the death of Dumebi, therefore, came to the scheme as a rude shock.

    Paying tribute to the deceased, Olawumi noted that he died while contributing towards fostering a credible electoral process and to the development of his fatherland.

    He further noted that the Corps member had successfully completed his election duty, submitted his results to INEC and was returning to his base when he was murdered.

    The Director-General said steps are being taken in collaboration with relevant security agencies to hunt down the killers and make them face the full wrath of the law.

    He used the occasion to restate his appeal to political leaders, traditional rulers and other opinion leaders to always protect corps members posted to their communities.

    Olawumi praised the people of Illah town for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage despite their grief.

    He prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family and community the fortitude to bear the loss.

    Responding at the deceased’s residence, a family elder and community chief, Ogbenyi Maduka Chikwenye, said the family had put in so much hope in the deceased having toiled to train him to the level he had attained.

    He said having served in the first batch of corps members in 1973; he knew what the nation had been doing to protect corps members.

    He thanked the DG for showing concern for the family in their moment of grief.

    The paramount ruler, Obi Akazue Gbemudu II, later mandated one of the chiefs Ogbuenyi Chukwurah to respond the DG’s remarks on behalf of the community.

    Chief Chukwura thanked the Director-General for his visit, and went on to describe him as a good shepherd.

    He said the community looked forward to the fulfillment of promises of support made to the bereaved family.