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Tag: serve

  • ‘I beg God to give me bigger opportunities to serve my country’

    Elder Aramide Noibi, the Founder and Chairman of Aramyde Communications, has said he is begging God to give him bigger opportunities to serve Nigeria better than before.

    Noibi said this at Arch Bishop Shoremekun Memorial Hall on Lagos Island, where the reception for his 70th birthday party held after a thanksgiving service at Methodist Church of Nigeria Diocese of Lagos at Westley Cathedral in Olowogbowo on Lagos Island.

    He turned 77 on February 11.

    Noibi said he felt natural at 70, adding that God had empowered him to have sound health and a retentive memory.

    He said: “My expectation is to do more for my society because I believe Nigeria is the best place to be. God is gracious to us in this country and He has never left us alone.

    “Our leaders must have the fear of God and take care of the masses. They should let people see the leadership qualities in them and they should be a stepping stone for others to go up. Our leaders should be careful; they should stop being greedy, selfish and self-cantered.

    “Being in government requires a lot of contributions and sacrifices. They should use their political positions to be honest, straightforward, as well as serve the Lord and humanity.”

    The celebrator urged Nigerian youths to be the good leaders of tomorrow – from today.

    He said: “Youths have been endowed by God with all the qualities to be leaders; it is their responsibility to know how to use these qualities aright. Youths should do everything to be good leaders and role models to others.

    “They should put God first in all they do and take to His instructions.

    “At 70, life has taught me to be dedicated and serve God more. This is why I am begging God to give me a bigger opportunity to serve my country better than before. I have gone through pain, the thick and thin of life. But I have to thank God that I am alive with my family in good health.”

    The Asiwaju Agbofinro of Oke Ona Egba and Otunba Ifatunwase of Ijebu-Ife, Justice Oluseun Shogbola, described the celebrator as a great man: courageous, hardworking, religious, strong and worth celebrating.

    She said: “I pray God to grant him good health to spend his remaining years on earth. We are from the same village, and I have known him for over 50 years. I urge him to mellow down now that he is 70 years.  God has given him good children; he should not stress himself. He should take it easy and now enjoy himself because life is short.”

    Very Rev David Oyebode, of the Westley Cathedral in Olowogbowo on Lagos Island, thanked God for keeping the celebrator well.

    Oyebode said: “He has been so resourceful to the church and the community. He always does his best and plays his role efficiently wherever he is placed in the church. He is hardworking, dear to the church, disciplined, honest and dedicated.”

    He urged him never to forget his maker, continue to serve God and mankind.

    Rev Timothy Oladapo, of the United Africa Methodist Evangelical Church, said Noibi is an honest, selfless, truthful and tireless man.

    Elder Ayo Oni, of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, urged him to keep working for God.

    Oni added: “He has laboured well for his family, the church and the body of Christ. He is known for publicising Christ. I wish him well and pray God will continually bless him to do more for humanity. I wish him more grace and he should continue his good works.”

    A son of the celebrator’s friend, Matthew Sanusi, described him as a good man who is always ready to help others.

    “At 70, I thank God for his life. He should take it easy and keep on the good work,” Sanusi said.

  • Cleric urges Nigerians to help govt, serve others

    The Canon Residentiary of Arch Bishop Vinning Memorial Church Cathedral in the Diocese of Lagos West, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Ven Festus Olowosile, yesterday urged Nigerians to help government by rendering voluntary services to their communities.

    The cleric also advised them to serve others.

    Olowosile spoke during the 45th annual choir festival on a topic, titled: Serving God Through Others.

    He said: “It is not everything you have to wait for government to do. Help government by contributing your own quota to the community. Those of you who inflate budgets and embezzle money allocated to carry out projects, God will deliver you.”

    According to him, humans are created to serve God and the best way to show service to God is to serve others by giving and making individuals available to serve others.

    Olowosile said: “One’s life is not contained in the abundance of the things he has. What you have cannot give you eternal life or good health; only God can. All the wealth you get cannot follow you to the grave.”

    The cleric urged the gathering not to be covetous.

    He noted that such a habit is a disease, a sickness that has killed many people because they wanted to continue getting and not giving to others.

    Olowosile said: “To serve God by serving others, you must serve your family. Be responsible to your wives, husband, children, parents, friends and colleagues at work.

    “Serve God by giving your tithes and offering. This is because it is the way to get more blessings. If you do not, you are an armed robber.

    “Visit the sick, pray with them and give them gifts. Share your talents and gifts with others.”

    According to him, from service, blessings are attached.

    He said: “When you serve, you will discover your spiritual gifts. You should use them to serve in the church and give glory to God. When you serve God, you will experience miracles, become more like Jesus and your faith will increase. You will be made an encouragement to other believers to also serve God.”

    Olowosile urged Nigerians to have a servant’s, a loving and a spirit-filled heart to serve God.

    He said: “You must love God and humanity to serve God. You need anointing and grace for service.  People will oppose, discourage you and there would be conspiracy when you are serving. But you must be ready to bear the risks.

    “If you do not serve, you will not grow spirituality and you will soon expire.

    “Heaven is home. Whatever you do on earth will be rewarded – be it good or bad. God is asking us to be faithful in service and by so doing we will get good rewards.”

  • Court to INEC: Serve Melaye recall papers

    Court to INEC: Serve Melaye recall papers

    A FEDERAL High Court in Abuja has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make further attempt to ensure personal services of documents relating to the recall of Senator Dino Melaye on him.

    Justice Nnamdi Dimgba gave the directive yesterday when INEC informed the court about its ex-parte motion for substituted service. INEC said its motion was informed by its inability to serve Melaye with the petition for his recall and other list of voters, who endorsed the petition.

    The court had, in a judgment on September 11, in a fundamental rights enforcement application by Melaye, said although it was not mandatory, INEC should avail the senator with the petition and list containing the signature of voters, who signed the petition, to enable the senator prepare for the recall process.

    Yesterday, when lawyers to parties appeared before the court, lawyer to INEC, S. O. Ibrahim, told the court about his pending ex-parte motion for substituted service of the petition on Melaye.

    Lawyer to Melaye, Nkem Okoro, also told the court that he has filed a number of applications, including one for stay of execution of the court’s judgment and also challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear INEC’s ex-parte motion.

    He said his client would be back in the country between September 25 and 26 for the resumption of the Senate.

    In view of the information by the lawyers, Justice Dimgba said in view of the tight schedule of the court, he was not ready to hear all the applications.

    He directed INEC to make a further attempt to ensure personal service on him when he returns. He adjourned to September 28.

    The judge said should INEC complain on the next date of being unable to serve Melaye personally, he would hear the ex parte motion by the election body and the applications by Melaye.

  • EKSU VC urges new SU leaders to serve

    The Vice Chancellor of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Prof Samuel Oye Bandele, has charged the newly elected members of the students Union executive to brace for the challenge of leadership, as their election was a call to service.

    He made the remarks when the executives, led by the President, David Aridiogo, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

    The VC announced that EKSU Ventures would soon produce bottled water and bread, asking the students to patronise the venture.

    He promised to welcome the students in his office at all times, urging them to come up with innovations that could improve the quality of life and academic profile of the institution.

    The SU also brought up issues affecting EKSU students, including health care, summer school, affordable internet access as well as grants to the body.

    Congratulating the new executives, Bandele assured them that the requests would be looked into and counselled them to plan for their future.

    Other members of the exco are: Ruquayat Tella (Vice president I); Julius Oyesanya (Vice president II); Temitope Emmanuel (General Secretary); Samuel Ibukun (Financial Secretary); Wahab Anjorin (Treasurer); Oluwasheyi Adio (Public Relations Officer); Adedamola Roy (Welfare Director); Demilade Fayemi (Social Director); and Abubakar Suaanala (Sports Director).

  • To serve humanity

    To serve humanity

    Patrick Ikheloa was installed in Lagos as the new District Governor  of Rotary District 9110 for  2016-2017. At the event, were dignitaries and philanthropists who came to support him.  NNEKA NWANERI was there.

    He stood tall and calm, and  seemed undaunted by the huge task ahead as he mounted the rostrum of the Shell Hall at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos to be decorated with the emblem as the District Governor for the next Rotary Year.

    It was Patrick Ikheloa’s day. It is the wish of every Rotarian to get the number one  seat. It was a dream come true as the fair-complexioned man from Edo State smiled during the installation.

    The event was not just a Rotary affair; it was a gathering of men and women of importance, who are passionate about philanthropy. Among them was the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

    There was fun in the hall draped with yellow and blue decorations. What made the occasion was that club members were treated to a red carpet reception before going to their tables.

    In a report, the outgone District Governor, Otunba Bola Onabadejo, outlined his achievements in the past year, soliciting support for his successor. He urged Rotary members and the public to extend the same hand of fellowship to Ikheloa.

    Expectedly, Oba Ogunwusi entered with a retinue of courtiers who played trumpets, flutes and drums. His shinny cap stood out among them all.

    He spoke on the need to love one another, urging all to extend a hand of fellowship to the down-trodden and the less-privileged.

    The monarch was inducted as a special ambassador.

    A raffle draw was held, where Economy and Business Class tickets to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, courtesy of Etihad, were won.

  • To serve humanity

    To serve humanity

    Patrick Ikheloa was installed was in Lagos as the new District Governor  of Rotary District 9110 for  2016-2017. At the event, were dignitaries and philanthropists who came to support him.  NNEKA NWANERI was there.

    He stood tall and calm, and  seemed undaunted by the huge task ahead as he mounted the rostrum of the Shell Hall at Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos to be decorated with the emblem as the District Governor for the next Rotary Year.

    It was Patrick Ikheloa’s day. It is the wish of every Rotarian to get the number one  seat. It was a dream come true as the fair-complexioned man from Edo State smiled during the installation.

    But the event was not just a Rotary affair; it was a gathering of men and women of importance who are passionate about philanthropy. Among them was the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

    There was fun in the hall draped with yellow and blue decorations. What made the occasion was that club members were treated to a red carpet reception before going to their tables.

    In a report, the outgoing District Governor, Otunba Bola Onabadejo, outlined his achievements in the past year, soliciting support for his successor. He urged Rotary members and the public to extend the same hand of fellowship to Ikheloa.

    Expectedly, Oba Ogunwusi entered with a retinue of courtiers who played trumpets, flutes and drums. His shinny cap stood out among them all.

    He spoke on the need to love one another, urging all to extend a hand of fellowship to the down trodden and the less- privileged.

    The monarch was inducted as a special ambassador.

    A raffle draw was held, where Economy and Business Class tickets to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, courtesy of Etihad, were won.

  • Ondo poll: I want to serve my people, says Akeredolu

    A Governorship aspirant on the platform of Ondo State All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has said his drive to contest the governorship seat is borne out of his passion to serve his people.

    Akeredolu noted that he has always wanted to serve the masses and bring succour to the state.

    The legal icon spoke with reporters, at weekend, at his 60th birthday celebration in Owo, his home town.

    The event was well-attended by the party’s leaders,  delegates, members of the bench and other dignitaries.

    They include Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Chief Judge of Ondo State Sehinde Kumuyi, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Minister of State for Niger Delta Prof. Claudius Daramola, Ondo APC Chairman Isaac Kekemeke, Dipo Opeseyi SAN, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, Olusola Oke, Rotimi Ibidapo and Senator Titus Olupitan.

    Others were Chief Akinolu Olujimi, SAN; Oyo State Attorney General Seun Akinbola; Adebayo Ojo, SAN; Folakemi Solanke, SAN; Yemi Adaramodu, Engr. Adetimehin; Yemi Olowolabi; Gboyega Adefarati; Wale Akinterinwa; Ifedayo Abegunde; Femi Adekanmbi Bola Ilori and others.

    Akeredolu said the state needed a man, who can render a selfless service to turn around its economy.

    According to him, “only someone who is prepared for governance and determines to take the Sunshine State to a glorious height is needed at this time.”

    He said: “Having reached the pinnacle of every situation in my life, I have been President of the Bar and I have been many things. So, it is not the position that is attractive.

    “But it is a personal push for me to want to serve the people of Ondo State and I want to deliver on good governance  and leave a legacy that the people of Ondo State will be proud of, “ Akeredolu said .

    He urged the people of the state to keep hope alive, promising that a better government will be enthroned in February, 2017.

  • Imansuangbon: I want to serve the poor

    Imansuangbon: I want to serve the poor

    Kenneth Imansuangbon, lawyer, businessman, philanthropist and governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State has a mission. “I want to serve the poor, who have been neglected; the poor who are the victims of bad governance”, he told reporters in Benin-City, the capital of Edo State.

    The aspirant, fondly called the rice man, is among 15 contenders struggling for the APC ticket. Other contenders include Deputy Governor Pius Odubu, the Leader of the Edo State Economic Team, Godwin Obaseki, his cousin, Don Pedro, Prof. Oserheme Osunbor, and Chris Ogienmwonyin.

    Imasunagbon, who hails from Ewohimi, rose to fame by the dint of hard work. After his secondary education at Ago-Iwoye secondary school, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, he attended the Obafemi Awolowo Univeristy (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State. Many stakeholders, including Edo people in the Diaspora, have endorsed him for the seat. To them, the aspirant has the competence, experience, academic qualifications, integrity and understanding of the challenges confronting the state.

    His style of politics is shaped by his humble background. Having experienced poverty as a youth, he sworn to eradicate it in his immediate society. His first approach is to assist the poor and indigent through his various empowerment programmes. At Christmas, Imansuangbon has always distributed bags of rice to people in Edo. It has been his own way of fighting hunger and making them happy.

    The politician explained that an encounter with the business mogul-turned politician, the late Chief Moshood Abiola, also opened his eyes to the fight against poverty, misery and squalour. He recalled that the late politician was generous to all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe and religion. As a law student, he had cause to lead a delegation to him to solicit his financial assistance towards the execution of students’ law week programme. The delegation smiled home with a huge donation from the chief.

    Imansuagbon has touched the lives of youths through his literary and sport activities. He is also an employer of labour. Apart from his thriving chamber, he is the proprietor of the Abuja-based Pacesetters Group of Schools. These activities have made him a household name in the state. However, there is a limitation to how far he can go in his bid to abolish poverty without state power. He said he needed power to reorganise society, redress injustice, put smiles on the face of the poor and promote equity and fair play.

    But, politics is a hard option. He said although he threw his hat into the ring because of the poor, the field is too slippery. “The poor people need men like me in politics,” he said. Yet, in another breath, the aspirant said the political environment is always dirty and full of deception. His staying power is the philosophy that the field should not be avoided by good people because as he put it, “if the good ones abandon the game of politics for the bad men, then, the common man is gone.”

    One of his priorities is job creation, if elected as governor. Imansuangbon described job creation as the greatest form of empowerment. In his view, the move will reduce crime. A responsible government, he emphasised, should make it a priority. He said: “I am running because I believe that the Edo people need an experienced person to create jobs. Boys and girls must be taken off the streets, and to do this, you need an experienced hand from the private sector.”

    The aspirant also promised to promote agriculture. He observed that Nigeria has neglected the sector to its peril, urging the government to emulate the United States, which can always feed Americans. “I will be the number one farmer in Edo. I will create farm settlements. I will make everybody a farmer.

    “I am known as the rice man. We will create rice farms, rice plantations close to the sea, which is my local government. We will make juices of all kinds, tomato paste, and of course, bread. Everybody will be busy, meaning that crime will reduce.

    But, the aspirant has some hurdles to cross to get the APC ticket. The party has no policy on zoning. But, it is evident that Edo Central has been agitating for the slot. Also, the governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, is said to be backing an aspirant, Godwin Obaseki. Other contenders are livid as they engage in a game of delegate hunting. But, Imansuagbon’s supporters believe that there is no cause for alarm.

    Exuding confidence, Imansuagbon said he is the most suitable person to succeed Oshiomhole. He faulted the endorsement theory, saying that the governor has no preferred candidate. The aspirant said the people of Edo will freely choose the next governor after he has picked the ticket. He urged them to get their Permanent Voter’s Cards ready for the exercise.

  • Theme: Who will you serve?

    Text: “….. as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

    A man with one watch knows what time it is but a man with two is never quite sure”, wrote an anonymous person. When one approaches a place where two roads meet, that is a road junction, and understanding of where one is going is unknown or lost, confusion, frustration and delay become inevitable. Solomon said in Proverbs 11:14 that, “Where no counsel is, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”

    One of the greatest problems confronting human beings is the issue of decision-making with respect to the what, who, where, when and how of life. This dilemma is not peculiar to our present clime as decision making had been a crucial issue since biblical times.  God’s recommendation towards resolving this quagmire, according to Joshua from our text, is to submit to God’s leadership and not any human being, political egghead or spiritual god-head, mindless of the connection they have, power they wield or the temporal position they occupy. When we surrender to Him, He will lead us to the right decisions.

    As children of God, you must not sell your birthright over red pottage like Esau who regretted it later (Gen. 25:29-44). Jesus Christ said, whosoever puts his hand on the plough and looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62 cf Luke 14:34-35). Any decision made in the flesh will end in regret, as “….to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Romans 8:6) – every carnality will ultimately lead to a crash!

    There was a time when God spoke to a young prophet from Judah from whose hands God has wrought outstanding miracles at Bethel with a command from God not to eat, drink or return by the same way he came. The young prophet obeyed God in all and bluntly refused to yield to the entreaties of King Jeroboam to eat after he was healed by the prophet. Unfortunately for the young prophet, when an older prophet, who was apparently an enemy in disguise, approached him, he surrendered to the counter-prophesy of the older prophet. He consequently lost not only his life but also the honour he would have received on accomplishing the task he had been given ( 1 Kings 13:7-24).

    Elijah too had that experience when Naaman approached him with ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment for his healing. On approaching Elisha, he bluntly refused to be enticed by the gifts, he rejected them before Naaman’s healing and stood his ground after he had been healed. ( 2 Kings 5:1-17). The covetous servant of Elisha by name Gehazi however, ran after Naaman to deceitfully collect the gift items, contrary to God’s leading and direction. He not only received the gift items from Naaman but also received the double portion of the leprosy of Naaman and lost his place in the biblical hall of fame ( 2 Kings 5:20-27).  If he had acceded to the voice of God, he probably would have received double portion of the gift of Elisha, which was double portion of the gift of Elijah ( 2Kings 2:9-14).

    What we need to do as a body of believers, during this Lenten season, is to come to God with humility, ask Him to forgive our past sins as a nation (2Chro. 7:14), surrender the coming polls to the Almighty God (John 6:37) who knows the inner recesses of the heart of man (Jeremiah 17:9-10), pray that He would expose the heart of the aspirants to us and unveil their satanic tricks and diabolic antics; that He would choose for us and lead us into a path that we shall not regret. As He lives who respects His words to perform it (Ezekiel 12:25), our lives and country shall be better under His leadership and direction, in Jesus’ name.

    Prayer: Lord, we surrender absolutely to your leadership, lead us in the path we are to follow and let our lives be better, in Jesus’ name.

  • How can I serve Nigeria better?

    Revotion and selfless service to our fatherland is indeed a call expected to be answered by every  graduate below age 30, on completion of first degree in a higher institution in the country or abroad. It would be recalled that this service scheme was birthed by General Yakubu Gowon on May 22nd 1973 with decree No 24 which gave impetus to the establishment of the National Youth Service corps (NYSC).

    The decree reads in part: “NYSC is being established with a view to the proper encouragement and development of common ties among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity.”

    Most youths have rejected the value proposition of the scheme owing to the corruption, obvious inadequacies and shortcomings that has befallen the scheme over time. Consider the issue of mobilisation, for instance. It has become a scramble for those who know one big man somewhere. These days, once you can throw the cash around, you are likely to be deployed to a choice state without hassle. The poor are mainly the ones who end up in terror-stricken states. That’s the agony of being poor in a country like Nigeria. If a Nigerian graduate could decide where he or she wants to serve on the basis of wheeling and dealing, the liberality of choice may as well be extended to the poor as well. For instance, I would have chosen to serve in the luxurious office of an oil tycoon, not a school where they lack the necessary facilities and teaching amenities, just like the predicament of one of my friends who got posted to a government school. Every day, he keeps complaining that the school lacks everything good to teaching. It’s that bad that he had to volunteer his meagre savings to buy procure a chalk board for the students.

    How do we drive the gospel of national unity when folks like my friend are made to go through such ordeals all in service to fatherland?  The program is beginning to look like what God himself has abandoned because the people who are to listen and grant solution have become helpless themselves.

    Looking at the issues relating to the monthly allowance, the government seems to be a little fair considering the fact that the allowance surpasses the minimum wage of civil servants in the country. But there’s room for improvement. At the state level, some states don’t actually deserve the services of corps members. Some of these states have refused to pay them since inception of the scheme. That’s rather insensitive. These states do not attach much importance to the scheme. And so, they fail to the appreciate the efforts of these young men and women. Most see corps members as instruments for cheap labour. They use them and leave them to their own devices.  Imagine scenarios where a corps member teaches all classes from junior classes all through to senior classes. Sometimes, corps members are denied their basic needs, including a stipend in their places of primary assignment. At other times, corps members are rejected on frivolous grounds. It is abusive on the part of the state for one to show up where his service is supposedly needed only to be turned back.

    That’s not all. There is the issue of accommodation. How do we serve our fatherland without a roof over our heads? Most of these places of primary assignments do not provide accommodation, leaving corps members to scout for ridiculous accommodation at their own expense. Just like other corps member who suffered similar fate, my experience was quite awful. While leaving camp after the orientation programme,we faced a great challenge as regards accommodation. We were unlucky to stay in lodges provided by some churches. At a point, we contemplated sleeping in an hotel before we eventually found a lodge. Some corps members were staying in hotels and spending their stipend much to their chagrin, pending the time they would get accommodation. I was wondering: why can’t each state or establishment provide accommodation and make serving our fatherland worthwhile?

    I believe as a writer, I won’t be forgiven if I fail to be specific here. Posting to places of primary assignment is another area where the scheme seems to get it wrong. There is absolutely no sense being posted to places that do not match one’s qualification. Why should a Mass Communication graduate be posted to teach in a school? And why should an Engineering graduate observe his service year in a local government council?And after a year, they meet employers who want industry experience before employment.

    To be candid, NYSC is now like gold turning rust, the whole idea of service and dedication is gradually withering. How can I serve my country better when those Iserve seize to appreciate my determination and commitment to serve them? The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to sit and do nothing, so goes a saying.Perhaps, the management intend to improve the lot of the scheme.  But they must be reminded that if they fail to act,doom would befall on the entire scheme.

    I perceive there are myriad of issues which the Director General needs to examine critically and quickly too. Such self-examination would help to advance the objective of the scheme. Every day,the value and efficacy of the scheme get eroded by an apparent failure to check some of the draw-backs that continue to drag the scheme in the mud.

    Ernest Hemingway said: “They wrote in the old days that it is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country. But in modern war, there is nothing neither sweet nor fitting in your dying. You will die like a dog for no good reason.” We do not want to get to this stage depicted in Hemingway’s lines. It is normal for Africans to run towards the wise elders of the village when trouble comes knocking. Let the management of NYSC seek good counsel. They need it.

    Most corps members have become totally impatient and their expectations of the scheme are quite high. The scheme was created to add value. Let those who manage its affairs begin to look in that direction.

    No reasonable parent would voluntarily kill a recalcitrant child. Solutions can be sought to revive an otherwise dead scheme. I am not among those who feel the scheme has outlived its value. My suggestions are that the scheme should be restructured so that the noble ideals it set out to achieve are realised.

    Every Nigerian would agree that the program has helped in creating jobs for many Nigerian youths over the years and has facilitated national unity and inter-cultural relationships. But today, it has become a raging debate among Nigerians whether NYSC serves any purpose or not. This is rather unfortunate.  But good things never come cheap. They require unusual sacrifices. I believe NYSC can form a potent weapon to unite Nigerians across cultural, political and socio-economic divides.