On the 22nd of March, Nigerians bragged about how the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme has positively transformed their lives.
This took place as his excellency, Governor Kayode Fayemi took to his Twitter page to announce that he will be receiving a delegation from NYSC and praised the scheme for the good impact he received from this national unit.
“This afternoon, I will be receiving a delegation from the National Youth Service Corps (@officialnyscng) Governing Board. We are going to discuss how to collaborate in strengthening the program and helping young graduates make the best of it,” he started. He explained that Ekiti state has immensely benefited from this program, mentioning names of Ekiti indigenes who received presidential awards.
“Earlier this month, three indigenes of Ekiti State were among other young Nigerians honoured with the Presidential Award for National Youth Corps members, in recognition of the exceptional qualities of service, integrity, and diligence they demonstrated during their participation in the mandatory year-long national service.
“The trio of Ayodele Olubusayo Abidemi, B.Sc (ED) Biology Education from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria; Kolawole Toba Gabriel, a graduate of Medicine from the University of Ilorin, and Seriki Adetutu Ifeoluwa, graduate of Computer Science from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, all received the Presidential awards at a colourful ceremony in Abuja,” he paused.
“Many years ago,” he continued, “I enlisted in the #NYSC program and was deployed to Sokoto State. My place of primary assignment was as a lecturer at the Nigeria Police Training College, Sokoto state.
As an unassuming youth, all I had was an eagerness to learn and a zeal to explore. The NYSC provided the conditions for me to hone my worldview and put my passion to work.”
Governor Fayemi concluded by raising some questions on how the NYSC programme has benefited the masses.
In his words, “What does the NYSC program mean to you? Where did you serve? And what was your most memorable experience?”
“NYSC gave me a platform to discover myself which assisted me to date. I served at NISLT, Ibadan, Oyo State and for the first time I understood what molecular cloning was all about,” said Olumuyiwa Igbalajobi.
Offer Joseph said it made him see the importance of grassroot education.
“I Served in Govt Sec School Dadin-Kowa, Yamaltu Deb’s Gombe state. NYSC helped me understand the need to invest in Education at the grassroot. I developed a passion for Educational Leadership as a tool for community development. My view on diversity was developed,” he expressed.
Inah Joseph Odey, who served in Lafia Nasarawa State said: “I was able to initiate and execute 9 needs-addressing community development service projects within my host community. It was indeed, a worthwhile period in my life. And I thank God for such an opportunity. NYSC isn’t a waste of time!”
Elder Gabriel sees it as an avenue to meet different people with different languages, cultures and explore new environments. “I served in Abia state. Many memorable moments but the one I won’t forget so easily was when I left Umuahia to Ohafia to see how they celebrate the new yam festival.”
Victor Agbele said it meant & still means a lot. “Whenever I speak at the @nysc_ng orientation course, I tell the white fowls (lol) NYSC is the last bus of your dependent life,
I hope your ride leads to independence. I served at Zaina Nig Ltd, Wuse 6 Abuja half a decade ago. Most Memo-Experience? NCCF!”
Olajide Balogun sees the program as a critical unifier for our people. “I served in Ogoja, Northern Cross River. Touring the Obudu ranch and resort was a lovely experience I will always treasure.”
Jegede Jimoh Jerry served in Giade LG, Bauchi State in 2010/11. “It was a memorable experience as I engaged in Agriculture but it all ended in sad memories during the Post-Election Crisis of 2011 where I lost valuables and loved ones and till date No compensation from FG.”
Usman Bako said: “I served in Nawairrudden High school Abeokuta, I really enjoyed my service year. I’m still communicating with some staff of that school. What is still baffling me is how only 1 Hausa & 1 one Igbo boys were rejected from Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation.”
From Tunde Alex Aduloju’s view, “NYSC is indeed a great unifying platform…
Served in Sagamu, Ogun state. And most memorable experience remains the lasting bond of friendship made with other Nigerian youths across the length and breadth of this great nation of ours.”
As some people were of the positive impacts, there were other people who rather attacked the governor, especially over the issue of unemployment.
A user, whose handle name appears as “Proudly Omo Isaoye Ekiti” calls the governor’s thread lies, challenging him of favouritism.
“Hmmm, Lori iro. How many graduates have you given opportunities to even serve in Ekiti Sir? Everything is about favouritism. The graduates of common men have no voice let alone securing opportunities. Well, God is everyone’s judge,” he said.
Another user, Kapari Fact sees it as a “campaign” strategy. Adeola Babatope calls the governor’s talks “Lori iro,” which is also interpreted as lies.
Burgermeister of Ekiti, another user, says it is deceit. “Sakamaje,” he said.
And a displeased Revolutionary AY expressed his displeasure straight. “Scrap the rubbish,” he said.
Related posts
Recent Stories
Intern’s Diary: Thrilled about my growth and newfound confidence
In December 2024, my three-month internship supported by the Next Gen Internship Programme of the Centre for Journalism and Innovation…
The Twists and Turns of Adult Students at Lagos State University
Prejudice and structural barriers based on age are some of the reasons many older people refuse to further their education….