Tension, mixed feelings as 622 fresh corps members arrive Bauchi

Tension, mixed feelings as 622 fresh corps members arrive Bauchi
JULY 19, 2011

By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi

IN the wake of the brutal murder of 10 corps members in Bauchi State, many parents, especially in the Southern part of Nigeria, had vowed not to let their children serve in the state if they are posted there by the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. As far as these parents were concerned, Bauchi was no longer a safe place to live, especially if you are a stranger.


This was a sentiment shared by several other people in the country, including many state government officials in the South. So, it was not surprising when there arose strident calls that the NYSC should not post corps members to Bauchi State.

But the state government had moved to douse the anger and tension generated by that ugly incident by assuring concerned parents that it was committed to protecting the lives of corps members under its care.

As if the NYSC has indeed taken the government’s words for it, 633 young graduates were posted to Bauchi State to participate in the 2011/2012 Batch ‘B’ service year. The NYSC state Coordinator, Mr Ibrahim Tzihe, confirmed that 620 corps members were registered for the exercise.

The corps members recently swore an oath of allegiance at the NYSC Wailo Orientation Camp in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of the state where government once again assured them of adequate security in the state throughout their service.

The State Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sagir Aminu Saleh, said: “The State Government is using this occasion to acknowledge the sacrifice made by corps members during the recently concluded general elections, to the extent that some of them paid the supreme price.

We want to assure corps members that the perpetrators of the hideous crime shall all be brought to justice”.

The Governor who noted that activities of the NYSC scheme have positively affected the socio-economic development of the country, stressed that the scheme has served as a unifying factor for religious, ethnic and cultural differences.

But in spite of these words of comfort, most of the corp members present wore worried faces.

When Vanguard Metro spoke to some of the visibly troubled corps members, they strongly appealed to the Bauchi State Government to provide adequate security measures to safeguard their lives during the service year.

They expressed mixed feelings about their posting to Bauchi State, with most unable to hide their fear of the tragic fate that befell some of their colleagues during the April post-election violence.

The corps members said that even though it was impossible to change what had happened in the past, they were still sceptical about the ability of government to protect them from attack, particularly in the local government areas, where, it is alleged, most of the violence took place.

Modesta Ugo, a Batch B corps member from Kogi State said she was initially not happy when she was posted to Bauchi State for her service year, but had to accept her posting as the will of God for her life.

She said: “It took me time to come in terms with fact that I was being posted to a state where some of my colleagues lost their lives. Even though we do not pray for evil, I pray I complete my service year without problems”.

The corps member called on all the security agents in the state to provide maximum security for corp members so that they will not fall victim to blood-thirsty miscreants.

Another corps member, Bode Oloruwajun from Ondo State, said he initially intended to apply for a change of posting to another state, but had to change his mind following persuasions from his parents to take his posting to Bauchi in good faith.

“I changed my mind because my parents persuaded me to serve in Bauchi. They told me that it is only God that can guarantee adequate security and I should be prayerful,” he said.

But Josephine Michael said she intends to apply for redeployment back to Abuja, because she did not feel secured serving in the state.

According to her: “I just feel insecure here, so I must work my redeployment to where I feel safe. My parents are in support of this”.

Should the NYSC Stay Or Be Scrapped?

Should the NYSC Stay Or Be Scrapped?

Faith Olaniran
7 July 2011

opinion
Fut Minna — Since the killing of some corps members during the ethno-religious crisis in Jos in 2009, there have been calls from several quarters for a review of the NYSC. The post election violence, once again brought the issue to the fore, provoking questions about its relevance.

The attack and eventual killing of some corps members who were recruited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as ad-hoc staff by irate youths protesting the result of the presidential election, the kidnap of five corps members in Rivers State and the alleged rape of a corps member in Osun State, have led to fresh calls for abolition of the scheme which seeks to promote national unity.

While some fancy the idea of reviewing the scheme, a few others are calling for its outright abolition. Students of the Federal University of Technology, Minna Niger State, who were just mobilized into the scheme and have been posted to different parts of the country expressed their views.

Rebecca Ajani, a graduate of Agric Economics posted to Nasarawa feels that the scheme should not be scrapped but Borno State should be excluded from the scheme as was done to Bauchi State. She noted that most youths posted to the Northern states are confused.

Mary Olorunleke read Animal Production and was posted to Plateau State. She said Nigerians should co-operate to keep the vision of the scheme alive. She called on governments of the various states where corps members are posted to provide accommodation and job opportunities for them.

Dolapo Owoeye, a graduate of Biochemistry posted to Ondo State wants the scheme to still be in place but with better security. Owoeye cited the bomb blast at the police headquarters in Abuja asking: "Who will guard the guards at this time?"

Tosan Igbogbo who was posted to Lagos State said the scheme should not be scrapped as she has always looked forward to it. Igbogbo said scrapping the NYSC would be like abolishing a complete educational system. She called on the Federal Government to increase the allowance and tackle security breaches.

Edith Ukpebor, who was posted to Nasarawa said the scheme has not achieved its purpose as youths still go back to the streets seeking jobs because they are not absorbed in their places of primary assignment. Ukpebor said the money used to finance the scheme should be invested in job creation and sustenance of the economy.

Seun Ojelade who read Quantity Surveying and is posted to Delta State said the main concept of the scheme was good but should be scrapped in the interest of national peace.

Godwin Ilalokhoin, a graduate of Electrical Engineering posted to Kwara State said the scheme should be reformed with the introduction of an insurance scheme covering all serving crops members.

Tsiga Takes Over Redeployment of Corps Members

Tsiga Takes Over Redeployment of Corps Members
6 July 2011

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig- Gen. Maharazu Tsiga has personally taken over the redeployment of corps members who rejected their posting to volatile states.

Tsiga, who called the corps members to the conference room at Gowon House in Abuja on Monday, said that anybody who came for redeployment would be attended to.

The batch 'B' NYSC members, who were to resume orientation camp nationwide on Tuesday had besieged the headquarters of the scheme for possible redeployment to other states.

Most of the NYSC members who were seeking for redeployment were either posted to Borno, Jigawa, Bauchi, Imo and Kaduna, among others.

Tsiga, however, asked the corps members to submit their posting letters along with their state of preference for redeployment.

"Those of you who gave me your call up earlier will have to come back at 3 pm and 4 pm today (Monday) respectively while those who had submitted earlier will have to wait for their new posting," he said.

Members of the University of Lagos Parents Forum had called on President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Assembly to prevail on the NYSC not to post their children to areas they described as death zones.

Tinuke Jaiyeola, a corps member, who was posted to Borno State, claimed that she came for redeployment to other state because of the fear of 'Boko Haram'.

Charles Opurul, also a corper, said that he was posted to Taraba but came for redeployment, pointing out that he was too young to die because of the volatile nature of the place.

Joy Lawrence from Edo, who was posted to Imo, equally came to seek redeployment to either Abuja or Nasarawa, saying that the security report she got from Imo was scaring.

95,000 NYSC members were mobilised for the 2011/2012 batch 'B' with the orientation taking place on Tuesday across the nation.

Why NYSC should not be scrapped - Fayemi

Why NYSC should not be scrapped - Fayemi

Written by Sam Nwaoko, Ado-Ekiti
Friday, 08 July 2011

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, on Thursday, said that the objectives of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which include national unity and integration, were “worthy of tireless pursuit,” saying that “the achievements of the programme have showcased its importance.”

Speaking at the Ekiti NYSC permanent orientation camp in Emure in Ise/Orun Local Government Area of the state at the swearing-in ceremony of 2,574 2011 Batch ‘B’ corps members deployed to the State, Governor Fayemi said “in spite of the challenges that had confronted the scheme, its achievements over the years were numerous and should be commended by all and sundry.”

According to him, “the achievements of the programme have showcased its importance,” and attributed the success of the last general election in the country to “the level of discipline and patriotic contributions of corps members nationwide.”

Fayemi assured that the state government would continue to support the scheme for the betterment of the entire nation.

Speaking earlier, Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board in the state, Chief Folorunsho Olabode, who is also the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports had announced the provision of a 300kva transformer for the orientation camp of the NYSC by the state government.

The State Coordinator of NYSC, Ekiti State, Mr. Baba Ahmed said that a total number of 2,574 corps members comprising 1,358 males and 1,216 females were in camp.

Cleric opposes posting of graduates to crisis prone states

Cleric opposes posting of graduates to crisis prone states
JULY 5, 2011

…asks FG not to negotiate with Boko Haram

BY DAYO JOHNSON

AKURE -BISHOP of Akure Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. Michael Ipinmoye, yesterday, threw his weight behind universities opposing the posting of their graduates to crisis prone region of the country for their National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, scheme.

The Bishop also expressed concern over the violent activities of members of Boko Haram sect and asked the Federal Government not to negotiate with the faceless militia group.

The Clergyman implored government to “tackle the security threat posed by Boko Haram instead of negotiating or dialoguing with them.”

He said, “they did not inform Nigeria before they started their act of terrorism, I support those who said the Federal Government should take them head-on, we don’t need to sit down and beg these people. I still want to say that it is high time we stopped using whatever name to terrorise Nigeria. We know where these people come from, because the President did not come from a particular part of the country is not to say that we will not know peace until his last breath.

If we are to dialogue, do we even know them, where do they come from, where do we meet, who is going to be the chairman, who will be their representatives? Whatever the Federal Government can do to stop this menace, let it be done”.

On the NYSC scheme, the Bishop noted that following the recent killing of corps members from the southern part of the country after the Presidential election, graduates from the North should have their one year service in the North, while those from the south should stay in the South.

According to him, “the purpose for which the Federal Government established the scheme has been defeated. The Federal Government and the NYSC should ensure the safety of lives of the young graduates being posted out for the service”.

Robbers kill female corps member in Delta

Robbers kill female corps member in Delta
Posted by Obanor Chukwuwezam

A female youth corps member was, weekend, stabbed to death by armed robbers, at Okpanam, behind a filling station, close to Asaba town, Delta State.
It was learnt that the lady, whose name could not be immediately ascertained, had travelled and ran into the robbers, as she was about opening the door of her apartment. The armed gang, which was operating in the area had accosted her and asked her to surrender her mobile handset and other valuables.
She was said to have been stabbed on the neck following her alleged refusal to yield to the robbers’ demand.
She was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre immediately the robbers left, but gave up the ghost while on the way, following heavy loss of blood.


State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Charles Muka, confirmed the incident, saying, “it is true. We have commenced full-scale investigation into the incident.”
SOURCE: VANGUARD

Will NYSC ever be safe in Nigeria? When will the persecution of Youth corps members stop!!?

No Postings to Bauchi, NYSC insists

No Postings to Bauchi, NYSC insists
Written by splendour
From: nnejiblog.com


NYSC Director General, Brig. Gen. Maharazu I. Tsiga
Still reeling from the gruesome post-election killings of 10 serving corps members in Bauchi State last May with injuries on several others, the headquarters of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has insisted that it will not post any corps member to the state.
The NYSC said the state government had not given assurance that it could guarantee the safety of life and properties of corps members. Concessions would however be made for corps members, who deliberately wish to serve in the state either because it is their state of origin or because they are married to residents of the state or for any other reason, if they request it.

Meanwhile, the NYSC has announced that the 2011 orientation exercise for 95,000 Batch ‘B’ begins next Tuesday except in Akwa Ibom State where it would take off next Thursday because the camp is undergoing renovation.
NYSC Director General, Brig. Gen. Maharazu I. Tsiga, made these disclosures in Abuja Thursday at a press briefing organised in honour of seven corps members, who attended training at Barry University in the United States.
He noted that there had been no formal reaction from the Bauchi State government over the announcement, but emphasised that even when the government reacts, corps members would only be posted to the state when their security is guaranteed.
“Any state that we deny corps members will feel the pinch, but we cannot post anybody there because we have to show our concern,” he said.
He called on all local government councils in the country to establish NYSC security committee as stipulated by the Act establishing the NYSC so as to reduce the tension suffered by the corps members, while urging them to be security conscious.
“But all hands must be on deck to be security conscious as it is a team work. Do not hesitate to inform security agencies about any suspicious movement during the orientation and influx of visitors to the camps should be controlled,” he directed.
The 95,000 corps members being posted in this batch, he noted, was the highest number to be mobilised so far in a single service year.

95,000 members mobilized for 2011 NYSC programme - DG

95,000 members mobilized for 2011 NYSC programme - DG
GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna
Thursday, June 23, 2011


No fewer than 95, 000 graduates are to be mobilized for the 2011 Batch ‘B’ National Youth Service Corps’ (NYSC) one-year compulsory national service, the NYSC Director-General, Gen. Muharazu Tsiga, has said.
He said it was the first time in the 38 years of the scheme’s existence that such a high number would be mobilized.

The NYSC DG dropped the hint in Kaduna yesterday while speaking at the 2011 Batch ‘B’ Pre-Orientation Workshop, saying that the scheme was witnessing growth in the number of corps members mobilization by the day. Tsiga, however, called on all state and local governments of the federation to rise up and support the scheme with the provision of adequate facilities, welfare and security of the corps members who were out to serve their fatherland diligently and contribute immensely to the development of the country.

“With our recent experience, the need for construction of corpers’ lodges in the state capital and local government areas in the country for security and welfare of corps members has become imperative,” he added.
He also disclosed that management had resolved to intensify efforts through advocacy and called on the presidency to issue necessary directives to states and local governments to live up to their responsibilities of providing necessary facilities to NYSC as enshrined in the Act establishing the scheme.

While noting that the need to re-strategize approach to corps members’ welfare, discipline, security, and orientation course programme became highly imperative, General Tsiga said all stakeholders of the scheme would collectively fashion out far-reaching resolutions capable of turning around the fortunes of the scheme, for the overall development of Nigeria. Tsiga added that the workshop would re-appraise the scheme’s past experiences in the previous orientation courses with the aim of improving on the challenges facing the scheme, especially in the area of national insecurity as it affects corps members, fake corps members, temporary camps, rejection of corps members among many other challenges.

He however expressed appreciation to the Kaduna State Government for its continuous support to the scheme, especially in the area of prompt release of state subvention, construction of additional two blocks of female hostels in the orientation camp among others and called on other state governments to emulate such gesture.
Declaring the workshop open, the Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa said the government would not relent in its support to NYSC, considering the role the scheme had played in uniting the nation and contributing to its development since inception.

Governor Yakowa who was represented on the occasion by his deputy, Alhaji Mukthar Ramalan Yero, particularly commended the scheme for its heroic role in conducting credible 2011 general elections, just as he prayed for the repose of the souls of corps members that lost their lives to the unfortunate post election violence.

Police rescue abducted corp members in Rivers State

Police rescue abducted youth corps members in Rivers
June 20, 2011

The Rivers Police Command has announced the rescue of the five youth corps members abducted in the state 12 days ago.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that unknown gunmen kidnapped the four female and one male corps members at Omerelu in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state where they had gone for community service.

Rivers Commissioner of Police Suleiman Abba told NAN in Port Harcourt on Monday that the corps members were rescued in a forest at Omerelu around 8pm on Sunday.

He said one Sanga Prince was arrested in connection with the kidnap, while the other suspects fled.

The commissioner said that the corps members had been handed over to the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig-Gen Maharazu Tsiga "in good health''.

NAN

Has NYSC lost its relevance?

Has NYSC lost its relevance?
By OYIADIKA ODOR and TUNDE THOMAS
Sunday, June 19, 2011


National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme came into existence in 1973 under the then military regime of General Yakubu Gowon (rtd). The philosophy is to promote unity among Nigerians from different parts of the country. Over the years, the scheme has contributed immensely to Nigerians knowing and understanding each other with appreciable reduction in mutual suspicion. In some instances it has engendered inter-cultural marital, political and even business relationships.

Unfortunately, however, considering its obvious shortcomings and recent crises rocking the scheme, Nigerians have begun to question the continuity of the scheme. Specifically, they are wondering, in the face of past and recent events, weather it is worth our resources and of course the safety of these young Nigerians to continue with the scheme. We took the same question to knowledgeable Nigerians. Here are what they think.



KAMORU ADIGUN – ACCOUNTANT
NYSC has not lost its relevance or usefulness; it remain a means of national integration; in some cases it leads to inter- tribal marriages, friendship and cooperation that often translate to business and political relationships towards nation building. For these reasons and more Nigeria should not contemplate abolishing the laudable scheme as that would amount to shooting oneself in the foot; what it requires is overhauling to address the present shortcomings and also accommodate the new societal realities.
YINKA ODUMAKIN – ACTIVIST
The NYSC Scheme has come under stress recently, especially after the post-election violence that led to the killing of some members on service. But aside the post-election tragedy, five corpers were also abducted recently in Rivers State. I don’t think there is anything wrong with the NYSC scheme. Nigerians are full of emotions and sentiments because of what happened in the North. We should not call for it’s scrapping but there is something wrong with our system. I think we should have a conference as to whether we want to live together as a nation or not.

SEGUN IDONIJE –PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMENTATOR
NYSC, like most other government programmes, is laudable and should be supported but the Nigerian factor has not been allowing lofty ideas to work in this country. What I would suggest is an overhaul in the way things are done. However, this must involve the youths, education practitioners, labour groups, the organized private sector and even the military while politicians who are the course of whatever is wrong with the programme should be kept off. There should be security for youths serving the nation throughout the year. All levels of government and even places of primary assignment of corps members should ensure adequate security for them.
DARE FALADE – POLITICIAN
My view is that the scheme should be reviewed. In the first place, I don’t believe corps members should have been drafted to take part in the elections. It is like exposing their lives to unnecessary danger given the violent nature of our political set up. If at all they are going to be drafted for such risky assignment, there should have been adequate security arrangements.
Having said this, I believe that corpers should only be drafted for community-oriented duties that are not violent-prone.
NYSC is still relevant, but if care is not taken, some unfortunate incidents happening to these corpers while on service to their fatherland may make some people to lose faith in the scheme. It is left for our leaders to take the right steps to strengthen the relevance of the scheme.

AVM JOSHUA KOLAWOLE (RTD)
One of the main objectives of NYSC is to create national unity and understanding among youths of varying tribes. The NYSC has helped in building bonds amongst Nigerians, as there have been inter- tribal marriages among youths of different ethnic groups; people have had to settle down with jobs within the environment of their primary assignment after service. To this extent, the scheme has not lost its relevance because as far as I am concerned the objectives for which it was set up are still being served in terms of people being posted outside their immediate environment to serve among ethnic groups different from theirs. It is true, there are some ugly developments in the polity that tend to make the scheme irrelevant, especially the killing of some NYSC members during the April 2011 presidential election, which president Goodluck Jonathan won. We should not lose sight on the fact that, more than 800 people (non corps members) lost their lives despite the fact that not much was said about those people.
Having said that, I suggest that there should be amendment to scheme to ensure adequate security of corps members. It must be compulsory for states, local governments and places of primary assignments to ensure the security of lives of corps members unlike now that they are seen as only the ‘property’ of the federal government. In fact, members of the public should take interest in security of lives of corps members as they are on national service. In all, the scheme is still much laudable and relevant.

SANNI ABUBAKAR – PUBLIC AFFAIRS ANALYST
I believe the NYSC scheme is still of such national importance that nobody should ever ask the question whether it still relevant or not. The scheme has not in any way lost its relevance. Rather, it has been and will always be a vehicle of national integration. There is no system that is absolutely perfect or 100%, without fault.
We should not jump to hasty conclusions just because of the unfortunate incident that happened recently in the Northern parts of the country.
However, there can be a review of the scheme to address some identified lapses. The scheme has been with us for such a long period of time that it will amount to throwing away baby with water if we broach the idea of abolishing the scheme. It has been a unifying and rallying point for youths across the country. It has been a bridge building project that has helped in no small measures to keep various ethnic groups together as one through close interaction, especially among the youths.

PROFESSOR PIC ONWOCHEI
– LECTURER
Despite recent adversities defined by mauling of some corps members, a comprehensive review of the scheme- its good and bad sides; advantages and demerits, shows that the benefits are more than otherwise. So, for me it is still very much relevant. Set up in 1973 by the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, the main objective as gazetted was to foster unity in the nation after the avoidable Nigeria- Biafra war.
Spoilers such as kidnappers who see youth corps members as high price games may hunt them for blood money, while political bigots and Boko- haram sect who are deranged may slay them for no sin or crime committed; the scheme could be said without fear of contradiction, to have etched its enviable name in the annals of record as a unifying force of the nation.
On the criminal killing of corps members, it behoves on the government at federal and state levels to tighten security around the youths serving the nation. These trained youths are the future of Nigeria. Therefore, no effort should be considered too much to protect them, in fact all Nigerians are entitled to security of life and property.

YUSUF MOHAMMED
– POLITICAL SCIENTIST
The mandatory National Youth Service Corps programme provides an opportunity for corps members posted to states other than their own to know other parts of the country, the people and culture of the place; thus deepening understanding among the youths. By and large, the NYSC scheme is still very much relevant as the benefits are legion. No government should contemplate banning the scheme, as it would not be in our national interest.

DARLINGTON AGOMUO
– POLITICAL ANALYST
The primary reasons for establishing NYSC is to foster unity among the various tribes and ethnic groups in Nigeria. This became necessary immediately after the civil war when suspicion and hatred was high. Gen. Gowon Regime had a vision and he meant well by establishing the scheme. But over the years the scheme has come under severe pressure and criticism, because of what successive governments haves failed to do. We are still trying to discover ourselves as a nation. It means the scheme have not really achieved its purpose. Therefore, to abrogate it will be counter-productive. What is relevant at this juncture and in view of recent developments, is to take a second look at the modus operandi and modus vivendi of the scheme, with a view to check and correct some of the lapses already observed.
One is not unmindful of the ‘’Bauchi 10’’ which brought about the debate. Nigeria is bigger than any individual or group, but if every individual dies, there will be no Nigeria. It is very sad that a laudable programme which every young graduate looks forward to, has become a ‘’killing scheme’’. Most people may not understand the agony of the parents and loved ones of the slain corpers. But there is a saying in my place, ‘’that when somebody’s corpse is being carried, it looks like a log of wood to a by-stander’’. Most people don’t feel the impact of evil until it is visited on them. Since we cannot bring them back to life, we must make sure it never happen again.
The scheme helps to prepare the corpers to fit and blend into the corporate and business world after years of studies. Some corpers even start something on their own with the savings they made while serving. Marriages are contracted and business partnership entered into by corpers. It is a relief to parents and guardians. The scheme enhances economic activities and tourism and so on.
The conducive environment that makes it possible for Northern corpers to serve peacefully in the South, should be created in the North also. Let there be corpers’ quarters in every state and city where they perform their primary assignments and such quarters provided with military security. The Federal government and NYSC management should embark on massive enlightenment campaign to re-assure incoming corpers of their safety and security. Apart from the upward review of corpers allowance, let there be life assurance policy on corpers for the period of their service. Government should give gaurrantee to parents that their children who have gone to serve their fatherland will come back alife. The Moslem fanatics who carried out the dastardly acts, should not only be brought to book, they should be made to face ‘’Sharia Law’’ which is ‘’an eye for an eye and a life for a life’’. A stiff law should be made against kidnappers of corpers. The Governor, Emirs, and Imams should be held responsible for anything that happens to any corper in their domains, because they have a responsibility to educate their followers properly. The scheme should be made compulsory for every Nigerian graduate under the age limit both home and abroad, so that children of the rich politicians and policy makers can be included in the scheme. May be that could bring sanity to the scheme. Those who has the means should stop selecting where their children and wards should serve, to avoid defeating the purpose of the scheme. These measures can help reposition the scheme for better results.
To stop the programme because of some miscreants is a defeatist approach. They could stop other things if government capitulates. Problems are meant to be solved not abandoned.

DR ISA MOMOH – LECTURER
NYSC! Meaning National Youth Service Corps scheme officially and in its good old days, but “Now Your Suffering Commences” (when the universities, polytechnics and Colleges of Education were good educational experiences), and much more latterly to “Now your suffering continues” and most recently, “Now Your Suffering Compounds” had been commended since it started in 1973 through the 1980s to the 1990s when it started losing flavor and favor. This loss of steam and height reached its climax with the gruesome murder of ten youth corps members in the violence that greeted the PDP political misdeed of denying the Zoning formula for the selection of their presidential candidate only to return to it for other electoral and post-electoral politics. This wanton killing of budding innocent young gentlemen and ladies who are on the threshold of unfolding their life potentials outside their home-areas has poured opprobrium on an otherwise patriotic and most laudable scheme.
The decline of the NYSC scheme followed the same trajectory as all aspects of Nigeria’s national life; so it is not peculiar to the NYSC and or would not have been very defining of the scheme had this unforgettable happenstances not occurred. As usual with passionate humanity, reactions are usually greater than actions due to the natural workings of the catalyst/multiplier. So calls for abrogation of the NYSC scheme or its thorough overhaul, such as posting corps members for service in their areas of origin are hugely exaggerated. They amount to killing a fly with a sledgehammer; it will be like throwing away the baby with the bathwater. The NYSC has definitely not lost its relevance. Instead, with Jega’s new use of the scheme, the NYSC has become more relevant and has been shown to have greater potentials for innovative uses.
As a member of the 1977/78 NYSC set, it was with pride and highest sense of dignity and patriotism that we eagerly and excitedly awaited our postings and call-up. No one, or very, very few, wished or tried to influence his/her place of primary assignment. Each of us looked forward to knowing and being immersed in meaningful service in the strange areas/communities where we would be welcomed as new elite members of the communities. On arrival (both at the state capital which was the orientation, the local government headquarter and the service location/institution), each corper (as we came to popularly called) was formally welcome with joy and dignity. Governments, community leaders, and organization owners/managers did all they could to show superlative hospitality to this new set of leaders, who were sacrificing joyfully for a more united and integrated Nigeria.

ANTHONY OLATUJOYE
– LAWYER
I don’t believe the scheme has lost its relevance. It has been promoting integration of different ethnic groups across the country especially the youths.
We should not as a result of the recent crisis call for the scrapping of the scheme. We should try to be broad-minded and take a critical look at how the scheme has been of tremendous benefit to the country.
However, I will like to advocate a review of the scheme in view of tragic incident that took place in the North where some members of the corps were lost to post-election violence.
For instance, provision should be made for adequate security for youths taking part in the scheme whether there is election or not.
We should all look at the unity of this country, which should be of paramount concern to everybody. If we abolish the NYSC scheme, it will endanger peace in the country, as so many things will be affected. It is better we don’t discuss or talk about its abolition at all. I strongly believe the scheme is still relevant, what we need to do is to have a review of it to ensure that we get the best out of it.
The NYSC scheme as conceived by the founding fathers is a laudable one; we should not allow it to die.

ABUKA ONALO OMABABA – PRESIDENT, UNITED MIDDLE- BELT CONGRESS
As far as I am concerned, the scheme has lost its relevance. However, in the event that the scheme is not abolished, I want to suggest that our youths should henceforth do their national service in their respective regions. If you serve in your own region, nobody will molest or kill you.
Imagine the agony of parents that toiled for several years to send their wards to schools only for some miscreants to waste the lives of these youths at their prime. This is unacceptable.
It should either be scrapped or the youths should be allowed to serve states of their own choice.
Although the scheme at the founding stage was a good concept but recent happenings in the country seems to suggest that the time has come for us to have a review.

Kidnappers of NYSC members demand N100m ransom

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/5712769-147/story.csp


Kidnappers of NYSC members demand N100m ransom
NAN
June 10, 2011


The kidnappers of five members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Rivers State have demanded a ransom of N100 million from the victims’ families, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

NAN learnt that the corps members, a female and four males, were kidnapped on Wednesday at Odomanya Community in Ikwerre local government area of the state.

They were on their way to inspect a school library project they constructed as their Community Development Service (CDS).

Mr Ben Esan, the public relations officer of the NYSC, told NAN on Thursday in Port Harcourt that the abductors had already contacted the parents of the victims asking for the said amount.

He said that the kidnappers equally spoke with the NYSC liaison officer in Ikwerre and made a similar demand, adding that the names of the abducted corps members were yet to be made public, but that they were members of 2011 batch ‘A’ and ‘B’.

It will be recalled that a similar incident occurred in Omuma local government area, also in the state, during the INEC voter registration that took place in January.

Mr Esan, who described the act as evil, said that the NYSC investigation team had been sent to the area to ascertain the circumstance surrounding the incident.

He, however, called on the state government, security agencies, and members of the community to quickly intervene in order to free the victims and arrest the perpetrators.

Rescue mission

Meanwhile, a combined team of security agencies made up of the police and the army on Thursday started searching for the abducted corps members.

The Rivers State commissioner of police, Mr Suleiman Abba, told NAN in Port Harcourt that the police, the State Security Service (SSS), and the army had started searching for the missing corps members.

“We (the security team) worked all through last night and we will continue the search until we rescue them. All hands are on deck and all efforts are on to rescue the corps members and arrest the culprits,” he said.

Mr Abba urged the people to give the police useful information that would lead to the rescue of the corps members and arrest of the criminals.

“All our personnel are out on the field searching for the corps members and nothing must happen to them,” he added.

My NYSC Experience

http://allafrica.com/stories/201105200094.html

My NYSC Experience

Sa'ad Abubakar Zongre
20 May 2011

I often look back to my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year that lasted from May 2001 to May 2002 as one of the most exciting, challenging, demanding and productive periods of my life so far. Fresh from the largely theoretical confines of the university (ABU, Zaria) and fully loaded with a lot of life-changing or revolutionary ideas commonly inherent in a graduate of an academic discipline in the arts or social sciences, found the service year quite eventful and action-packed from the orientation of 3 weeks, to place of primary assignment/host community and up to the passing-out formalities. It was a great and priceless experience that I cherish till date.

From this, some may easily conclude that I was so lucky to have been posted to a place where I found people that I knew or shared the same communal, religious or ethnic background with and thus, made life wholly cosy for me. In fact, the reverse is the case. I was posted to Akwa Ibom state in the oil-rich but restless Niger-Delta (the first time I entered the southern part of this country) and at the end of the orientation at Nsi-Atai town, I was subsequently posted to one of the most remotest parts of the state (Obio-Edienne Community Secondary School in Obio-Edienne village, Ikono LGA) where I did my primary assignment as a teacher. As a matter of fact, I happened to be the first "Hausa/Fulani" or Muslim to have lived in the village. The news of the strange presence of a certain "Abubakar" (the only name among my 3 names that the natives found it easier to pronounce) spread like wild fire within the village and even to neighbouring villages and I understandably, became an object of both curiosity and suspicion to my students, some of the permanent teachers and the generality of the villagers. Whenever I am observing the noon or mid-afternoon prayers in the school premises, it is common to see students (who were yet to go home after school hours or waiting for evening lessons) to mount an informal "guard of honour" behind me while watching all the stages of the prayer with maximum concentration, excitement and deep-seated curiosity. At the end of the prayer, I made it a point of duty to have a mini-interactive session with those itching to ask me one or two questions on the prayer, Muslims and Islam in general as well as Northern Nigeria.


In so doing, I was able to enlighten a lot of them (at times, even the permanent teachers used to meet me in private to ask similar questions) on the true meaning of Islam, the nature of Muslims and the multi-religious and tribal composition of northern Nigeria that were hitherto unknown or misunderstood by them. And by the time I took over as the chief coach of the school's football team (I played for my secondary school, university, NYSC orientation camp platoon and the Ikot-Ekpene regional NYSC football teams at different times) and introduced several effective training schedules that helped the team to defeat rival football teams, in addition to my active participation in the highly successful bi-weekly environmental sanitation exercise that was initiated by a colleague (Chinedu Okafor) as part of our Community Development (CD) project , I was eventually and fully "adopted" as a worthy "son of the soil", which paved the way for my full integration into the community as an agent of positive change.

One of the core values of the NYSC scheme is to strengthen a youth corps member's capacity for a critical and sound value judgment on all issues or factors germane to the discharge of his/her primary assignment and interaction with members of his/her host community. As a change agent, his/her service year program is not limited to excellent discharge of primary assignment only but to active involvement in additional change-oriented activities at communal and institutional levels as enshrined in the concept of CD projects.


Therefore, the mandatory orientation program was essentially designed to prepare the prospective youth corps member for the challenges posed to him/her by the next 11 months of the service year through instilling in him/her, the culture of discipline, endurance, tolerance, courage, hard work, creativity, productivity and patriotism under a regimental setting.

Although post-election violence is mostly spontaneous in nature, the recent killings, physical assaults and looting or destruction of properties of youth corps members in about 3 or so states in northern Nigeria (which is totally condemnable and inexcusable) as part of the violent reactions that trailed the release of results of the April 16th, 2011 presidential election, were sad developments that exposed the existence of a wide gap between youth corps members (not limited to the affected states only) and members of their respective host communities. It is noticeable nowadays, how some youth corps members tend to look down on the members of their host communities as inferior to their own native communities.


Also, in contrast to the principle of Community Development (CD) project of the NYSC, some youth corps members adopt a life of exclusion during their respective service years.

Their understanding of the service year is in 2 words; place of primary assignment and "corpers' lodge" or residence.

As a one-time youth corps member my heart bleeds whenever any harm is visited on a youth corps member. My bleeding heart goes out to the parents and entire family members of these new set of martyrs for the Nigerian state. The 5 million naira compensation package been proposed by the Federal Government (FG) for the family of each of the slain youth corps members during the post presidential election violence is really a welcome development. At least, this shows that the country appreciates and honours the supreme sacrifice that each of them had made for the good of the Nigerian state.


* Zongre wrote from Yerima Bappa Sanda Road, Jalingo

Those who are calling for scrapping of NYSC are ignorant of the scheme - Prof Adebayo

http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/features/22305-those-who-are-calling-for-scrapping-of-nysc-are-ignorant-of-the-scheme-prof-adebayo-adedeji
Those who are calling for scrapping of NYSC are ignorant of the scheme - Prof Adebayo Adedeji

Written by Taiwo Olanrewaju
Monday, 23 May 2011


Eighty-one year old Professsor Adebayo Adedeji designed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Scheme in 1973 in order to promote national unity and cohesion. He told Taiwo Olanrewaju why the scheme should be retained against the backdrop of Nigerians and interest groups calling for the review of the scheme or outright scrapping.

BEFORE the post-election crises of April 2011, there had been various calls for review or total scrapping of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), but the political violence that greeted the announcement of the presidential election result in the northern part of the country which claimed the lives of 10 corps members, however, increased the call.

This incident, attracted more agitations for the scrapping of the scheme despite the efforts of the government to sustain it. The president inaugurated a 22-man panel to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the post-election violence in the North.

Headed by a retired Grand Khadi of Niger State, Sheikh Ahmed Lemu, the panel was inaugurated by President Goodluck Jonathan on Wednesday, 11 May, 2011 at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja. The panel has six weeks to submit its report.
Going down memory lane, Professor Adedeji recollected that “the British deliberately separated us and there was very little opportunity for the country to become a nation for development. Lack of understanding and committment on the part of Nigerians contributed to the civil war of 1967 to 1970.The civil war was very expensive and very costly in terms of lives lost and resources wasted”, Professor Adedeji noted.

He said the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, did for Nigeria, what South Africa did after the defeat of apartheid, by declaring that there were no victors and no vanquished after the civil war. The need, according to him, was to develop common purpose and common values, with all the prejudices buried. The main slogan, the Ijebu-ode indigene noted was to Go On With One Nigeria (GOWON).

As the Minister for Economic Development and Reconstruction from 1971 to 1975, Professor Adedeji presented a frame work and created an institution to develop Nigeria.Thus, for a whole weekend, Professor Adedeji designed the NYSC scheme.

According to him,”the development of the country depended and still depends very much on the young generation. Nigeria developed as separate entities. Many Yoruba did not know where the North was. The tribes developed alongside, not as friends but as competitors while the people saw one another as someone to be avoided or someone not reliable.”

Professor Adedeji, who is also the Asiwaju of Ijebu-land, said the need to mobilise the most educated Nigerians in their teens to promote the development and unity of Nigeria prompted the scheme and after discussion and consultations among the leaders of the different tribes and the Supreme Military Council (SMC), the NYSC was established in June/July 1973.

The Corps members were students who just graduated from the universities and there were only five Universities then. The University of Ibadan, Ibadan, University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University; Ile-Ife; University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Under the scheme, the graduates were to serve the country compulsorily for one year. Aside from the fact that the scheme promoted understanding and mutual respect, it was a platform for national unity, explained the Asiwaju, who added that the scheme’s guidelines were that no corps member would serve in his region or state,where his native language is the lingua franca. That, he said, was to make the corps members understand the country and one another’s culture, which would in turn develop common values.

At the outset of the NYSC scheme, most students did not like the scheme,in spite of the fact that government paid them the same allowances and made them serve as equals. Medical students, especially, wanted higher allowances which the government did not approve. The aim was for each corps member to experience a new culture, imbibe the culture and thus, gain a wider perspective thereby building a solid foundation to achieve a united Nigeria.

While condemning those people calling for the abolishing of or turning the NYSC scheme into a regional programme, the scheme’s founding chairman, agreed that the scheme needed to be improved upon and redefined.He noted that he had had contacts with many corpers and none had regretted serving the nation for a year because working outside one’s environment for a year promoted cordiality which brought friendship with the host community. “We are the same irrespective of our differences. We are all Nigerians,” he added.

He, however, noted that lately, there had been incidents of regret. “To kill, shoot or murder a corps member is an unforgivable offence. The corps members have helped and contributed to the development of the state where they served”, Professor Adedeji said emphatically.

He advocated for the provision of adequate security for corps members. The type of security provided for politicians, he explained that corps members were used to assist in the conduct of census and elections because they are non-partisan. They are fresh from the university and have not imbibed the evil of the society.

He said this was the new Nigeria that General Gowon was trying to create. And that it would be disastrous if the NYSC scheme, currently the longest serving institution, was scrapped. “We should not throw the baby out with the bath water inspite of the killings. All Nigerians must have a stake and show a sense of commitment. We should do all in our power to ensure that the scheme grows from strength to strength,” he added.

The octogenerian, who believes that it is the responsibility of all state governments to secure the NYSC scheme by giving the corps members the necessary protection while he considers the reaction to stop, scrap or turn the NYSC into a local or regional institution as negative. Even, he added, that the number of mad or murderous people perpetrating the heinous crime of killing corpers should be small and should be within the power of the law enforcement agencies to nip in the bud.

He also noted that lack of human security had become a factor in Nigeria, saying that, the government should beef up security for all Nigerians the same way maximum security was given to ministers, governors and other politicians.Professor Adedeji added that if the NYSC scheme was made regional, the politicians would influence “the corps members and the nation would be moving from the sublime to the ridiculous” if we make the scheme local and people could influence it.

“If you destroy the institution or undermine it in anyway, it would be tragic. Rather, we should strengthen it by providing adequate security for the corpers,” he reiterated.

Corps member dies in Benue auto-crash

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2011/06/corps-member-dies-in-benue-auto-crash/

Corps member dies in Benue auto-crash
BY BEN DURU
JUNE 6, 2011S


MAKURDI – A National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member serving in Benue State, Miss Sadi Suzzy Omamezi who hailed from Delta State, has been killed in an auto-crash on the Makurdi-Aliade road.

Omamezi died on her way back to Gwer Local Government Area of the state, where she was serving to participate in the head-count scheduled for the weekend.

She was said to have boarded a Volkswagen golf taxi cab from Makurdi to Aliade but the vehicle had a head-on collision with a trailer at Igbor. The trailer was said to be avoiding some pot holes when it ran over the cab, killing all the occupants.

The Benue State NYSC Public Relations Officer, Mr. Chidi Nnorom, said she was a graduate of English and Literary Studies with registration number BN/108/230.

Parents cannot dictate to NYSC over posting – Olaniyan, NYSC Lagos state Coordinator

The widespread condemnation and criticisms that greeted the killing of 10 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by irate youths protesting the outcome of the April 11 presidential election in Bauchi state is a litmus test for the fragile unity of Nigeria. Caught in the web of these reactions, positive and negative agitation is the 38 years old scheme. While some call for its scrapping others say it should adopt geo-political postings arrangement to forestall such aggressions. Another orientation programme is fast approaching, Oyeniran Apata had a chat with Ladipo Olaniyan, NYSC Lagos state Coordinator on a number of issues. Excerpts:



Batch ‘B’ serving corps members are expected to pass out very soon. There are insinuations by corps members of possible extension. How true is this news?
There is no truth in that. Their passing out can never be postponed. What is the reason or reasons that could warrant postponement? People just concoct stories and spread them around. Some people just sit down and come up with stories that are unfounded. In fact, I have received calls from corps members making enquiries about their passing out date and other information. Until we get a confirmation of the day and then pass it down to the corps members.

What is your assessment of the out-going service year in Lagos considering the unfortunate incidences in some parts of the country?
We thank God. Lagos did not experience the type of crisis that happened in Bauchi. Glory be to God. Our corps members in Lagos were able to give a good account of themselves in their involvement in the just concluded elections. Talking about their effectiveness in their places of primary assignments, some of them really performed well in community development. They have performed well generally. Just before you came in, one of the corps members who is a graphic artist informed me of an exhibition he planned to stage. This is a success story. We also have a corps member who embarked on a Community Development project of building a primary school somewhere in Ikorodu. He has asked for a date for commissioning. These and many more are some of the stories I have been receiving. It gladdens my heart that our corps members are doing well in Lagos.

It was observed at the commencement of orientation programme for batch ‘B’ that some female corps members came to the camp pregnant; some of them at advanced stage. How many births have you recorded in the out going service period?
Honestly, I cannot tell you the number. They were many. This is the second time in one week this same question came up. Whenever they come and we find out that they are pregnant, normally we give them time to go and deliver if the pregnancy is at advanced stage. Usually what we observed is that after some time we see them at the secretariat cuddling a baby. It is then it will dawn on us that they have given birth. None of them has ever invited me to come and eat rice.

Safety of Pregnant corps members is an issue you have shown much concern about. Where does the NYSC stand on this issue?
I am not a proponent of NYSC reverting to the old order as it concerns corps members and pregnancy. I cannot do anything against the official policy of NYSC. We got to the stage we are now having gone through a lot of issues and developments. You are a witness to the hues and cries of the way NYSC handled the matter. NYSC received a lot of criticisms alleging that NYSC was forcing women to do pregnancy tests. A lot of developments came up from this issue. Eventually, the higher authorities said we should allow them to come if they want to be part of orientation with an undertaken that should anything happen they are on their own.
Quite unfortunately, we still experience the negative side of having pregnant and nursing mothers as corps members on camp. That is the area I am emphasising that they know fully that their pregnancy could threatened by coming for the orientation programme. For the nursing mothers, it will not be convenient to keep innocent babies on camp.

The NYSC orientation camp at Iyana Ipaja has been adjudged by corps members and officials as inadequate. Overtime the situation often leads to posting of Lagos members for orientation in other states. What is the situation now?
Frankly speaking, the camp we are using presently has become inadequate in terms of spaces, accommodation, and convenience to adequately cater for the large number of corps members sent to Lagos every year. The camp is also not large enough for NYSC gadgets. We are looking forward to government to assist by upgrading what is on ground at Igando. It was later realised that Igando may not even come to pass because it is no longer conducive for an orientation camp. The area has been overtaken by development. However, a new location has been identified for NYSC in Lagos between Ikorodu and Epe local government council areas. I was a member of the team that went to scout for a befitting place. We arrived at the particular locality and a proposal has been sent to the governor to approve the release of the area for NYSC.

The relocation will obviously gladden the heart of neighbours who have been clamouring for a relocation of the NYSC from Iyana-Ipaja. ..
I am not aware of the clamour. But if they do clamour, it is to our advantage. Even we in NYSC are saying it loud that the place is inadequate. The earlier the relocation is effected the better.

NYSC is an arm of the Federal Government whose operations and mandate generated a lot of criticisms following the death of some corps members in the North. Some suggested that members should not be posted to here and there. It was even in the media that Bauchi has been singled out for non-posting. What is the update?
Quite frankly, I know that at the annual management conference of NYSC, it was made known that corps members would not be posted to any crisis spots precisely Bauchi State this time around. But this does not mean that corps member will not be posted to the state at all. For instance, if we have a prospective corps member whose husband is working in Bauchi State, NYSC will definitely post corps members who by marriage have their spouses in Bauchi. However, the number that will ordinarily be posted to the state will be minimal.

With this development and clamour by some segments of the country against cross political zone posting, does this not give parents option of selection?
It is not for any parent to dictate to NYSC or make selective posting.

What happens in a scenario where an apprehensive parent stands his grounds?
Leave that to NYSC. NYSC knows what to do. We are human beings and have feelings too.

What will NYSC do?
I am not in a position to tell you that. But I have told you that no corps member will be posted to any crises flashpoints or areas that are not safe.

And if a parent perseveres?
Parents cannot dictate to NYSC and say this is where I want my child to observe the national service. But as an organisation, the NYSC will device a means of coming out with postings that will not put any parent or corps members under any undue anxiety about their safety.

How would you assess the scheme generally in view of divergent suggestions for scrapping, review and sustainability?
People forget that what happened was not caused by NYSC or the involvement of the youth corps members. Where lay the fault of NYSC? I am surprised at the clamour for scrapping of NYSC. And to me, the NYSC scheme is about social engineering of this country through the youth corps members. Therefore the realisation of its objectives cannot be time-bound. Those calling for the scrapping of the NYSC can be classified into four categories; those that are ignorant of its objectives, those that passed through the scheme but the scheme did not pass through them. We call this category “Otondo coppers”, those that committed one offence or the other while serving and were sanctioned and those that are evading national service and believe that by scrapping the scheme, they would have had their way.
The affirmation by some Kaduna corps members in a television interview after the unfortunate killing in Bauchi that they would not be deterred to accomplish the election duty they started coupled with some other short messages sent to me by Lagos coppers that the Resident Electoral Commission (REC) be cautioned against replacing them with non-corps members as ad-hoc staff in the governorship election was a rare demonstration of patriotism and confirms the young men are a new breed generation of Nigerians. This is a plus to the NYSC scheme.

Did Lagos record any casualty?
None to my knowledge! Even if some did not come for one reason or the other, the number will be insignificant. We paid their allowances. From available record, we are able to know that they came out in large numbers. When such a thing happens, it is expected that about 50 to 70 pr cent will withdraw from the exercise. That was not the case. The same thing cannot be said of a place like Bauchi because some state governors evacuated their indigenes from troubled areas in the North.

In the heat of the crisis some state governors were alleged to have threatened not to return their rescued indigenes to their base in the North. How do you react?
They cannot say that. That is not for state governors to decide. The idea of bringing them from the area is good. They cannot arrogate an assignment that does not fall within the purview of their offices to themselves. The NYSC is not forcing anybody to go back right now. We have sent bulk messages to them that anyone who does not want to go back should simply apply for redeployment. The normal process for any corps member withdrawn from a crisis zone is to register first and wait for briefs on the next line of action. Decision of the annual management conference is that corps members who want to leave Bauchi should apply and NYSC will look for another state and post accordingly. The proviso is that they cannot dictate or be selective.