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All of the great leaders have had one
characteristic in common: it was the
willingness to confront unequivocally the
major anxiety of their people in their time.
This, and not much else, is the essence of
leadership. —John Kenneth Galbraith.
There are three kinds of people: Those you
meet and instantly forget a few minutes
later. Those that give you a negative
impression when you meet them, and those
that leave long-lasting pleasant memories
after you’ve met them.
I am Onyeizu Chinedu from Obingwa LGA
of Abia State; a Harvard University trained
professional and a Petroleum Engineering
graduate of the Federal University of
Technology, Owerri.
In late 2002, I was posted to Bayelsa State as a
“Batch A” National Youth Service Corp member.
After the three weeks orientation camp, I was
assigned to serve in Kiama Grammar School,
Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area;
where I taught physics and mathematics.
Of course, I had a pleasant experience
teaching in the community school and
hanging out with friends and other corps
members most evenings under the famous
Kiama bridge.
One of the most significant incidents of
my youth service experience occurred
outside the classroom and it started with a
visit from an elderly friend of mine, Papa,
who supplied fresh plantain and fish to
corpers. Anytime he visited, I observed a
cloudy white substance that covered a
large part of his right eye. While we
conversed, I remembered we were
encouraged at the NYSC orientation camp
to engage in group or personal community
development projects (CDP). So the idea
of surfing the net for an NGO to help the
old man came to my mind, at the same
time, as a corps member who had
benefited from his free food, I decided to
make it a personal CDP and explore any
opportunity to relieve his condition.
Initially, I pondered whether my meager
N11,500 monthly allowance popularly
referred to as allowee will be enough to
accommodate an extra investment in a
humanitarian initiative and also sustain me
in Kiama village. But since Papa wouldn’t
hesitate to share his bunch of plantain,
which is actually all that he had, I didn’t
waste time to conclude that any effort to
restore Papa’s sight will be worth my time,
energy and allowance.
The first thing I did was to register the
initiative as an NYSC CDP. Afterwards, I
started researching to learn about the
name and cause of his eye infection.
When I was told it was cataract, I started
surfing the net on weekends to either find
a group, an NGO or a medical institution
that will be willing to offer free eye service
surgery to Papa. As luck could have it, I
found a medical charity in the United
Kingdom, “Sight 2020 Direct”. I wrote them
an e-mail, asking whether they could come
to Bayelsa for a free eye surgery camp.
After several e-mail exchanges, I was able
to convince the group to come.
However, I didn’t know that I had a big
bureaucratic hurdle to jump with the state
government ministries. For common sense
sake, we are referring to a group of
ophthalmologists and nurses that are
coming to carry out a free, again free eye
saving surgery for cataract blind persons
in the state. With the assumption that
government officials would be enthusiastic
about the project, I reached out to the
Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health
and the numerous special advisers to the
Governor on health matters. To my utmost
surprise, I was turned to a ping pong
“Chinedu come tomorrow , Chinedu the
commissioner is busy with an important
delegation, Chinedu the initiative is
laudable, we will consider it and call you,
Chinedu do a formal application using the
NYSC letterhead etc.” After three months
of seeking for help and support from the
government, I exhausted my resources and
the resources of the corps members that
volunteered to help.
At a point, my small team and I decided to
organize the eye camp on our own. We
informed the NYSC state office and got
approval to go ahead with a humanitarian
branded message and creative ideas on
how to execute the project. We started
making progress as more corps members
volunteered to join. Soon we had
opticians, medical doctors, etcin the team.
We set up make shift diagnostic centers
across the state, used opticians that
volunteered in areas outside Yenagoa.
Within weeks, we registered over 50 blind
patients and conducted visual acuity tests
on them. I remember organizing a
sensitization road walk along the major
streets of Yenagoa wearing a white T-
shirt; we branded “Sight for all Bayelsans
in 2003”. Because we had no money, we
produced the road walk T-shirts out of a
cardboard paper cut-out and then used
diluted oil paints to write on it. However,
the Bayelsa Radio and TV stations agreed
to place our public announcements and
jingles on air free of charge. That leverage
helped us reach out to patients that reside
far from Yenagoa. I hardly slept for two
hours in a day. I would co-ordinate and
plan project deliverables with the volunteer
optometrists, follow up on other corp
members that volunteered to support
logistics and at the same time pursue the
ministries responsible for health matters in
the state. But determination and the
passion to serve our nation kept us going.
When the UK- medical team landed in Port
Harcourt airport on November 14, 2003, I
still had no financial or logistical support
from any government agency. Meanwhile
patients had started contacting medical
officials in Okolobiri General Hospital.
Before I made the last move towards
getting the state government’s attention, I
said a quick prayer in my mind. I asked
God to intervene; at least for the sake of
the poor blind persons that have made it
out of the creeks to receive sight saving
surgeries. This final move was to visit the
head of a Bayelsa youth organization. I
met him and explained my ordeal with the
state government ministries. He apologized
and asked whether I met with the state
deputy governor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. I
said no; but that if any help has to come,
it should be quick because the expatriate
doctors were already on their way to
Bayelsa from Port Harcourt International
Airport.
He made some calls and asked me to
quickly get into his vehicle. We drove
down to the Bayelsa State Government
House and we were ushered into the
deputy governor’s office. We logged in our
names and after a few minutes we went
into Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s office.
I told him about the free eye surgery
programme and my fruitless efforts to get
support from the state ministries. I was
specific, I asked him for three things:
accommodation, security, and
transportation. After listening to me, he
smiled and thanked me for initiating such a
laudable project in Bayelsa State. You may
wait at the reception.” His voice was
gentle, like he was giving me a suggestion,
not an order. I left his office and waited at
the reception room. I was exhausted and
anxious, still praying in my heart for a
miracle to happen.
As God could have it, the Chief of Staff
soon appeared and relayed a message
from Dr. Jonathan. “You will be provided a
coaster bus, five mobile policemen and
accommodation at Intercontinental Hotel,
Yenagoa. In addition, they gave me the
sum of two hundred and fifty thousand
naira to purchase medical equipments for
the project.
I couldn’t believe my ears. To me it was a
modern day miracle; especially after
passing through hell in the last couple of
months.
The free eye surgery programme started
on Tuesday, November 18, 2003, at
Okolobiri General Hospital. The Sight 2020
Direct team performed a total of sixty-
eight surgical operations; removing
cataracts and inserting intraocular lenses.
Over sixty-eight blind indigenes of Bayelsa
State had their eyesight restored at the
end of the programme –The full story was
published on pages 24-25 of the December
13th ,2003 SUN Newspapers .
Twelve years have gone by since my youth
service in Bayelsa State, but I have never
stopped wondering what would have
happened to that free eye surgery
programme if Dr. Goodluck Jonathan
hadn’t intervened. What would have
happened to Papa and the other 67 blind
patients?
I strongly believe that Dr. GoodluckEbele
Jonathan certainly belongs to the group of
individuals who give long-lasting positive
memories. He addressed the major anxiety
of his people at a time it was needed.
Although we met for less than ten minutes,
his prompt action that fateful day had a
huge impact on my life and the lives of
those 68 patients.
From that brief encounter with him, I
learned that persistence pays off.
Problems and challenges may obstruct
your progress, but if you believe in yourself
and your goal, you will eventually succeed.
I remember waiting for hours, particularly
at the ministry of health with nobody
paying attention to me. I remember being
referred to this or that special adviser, and
being forced to use my meager corper
allowance of N11, 500 (less than $100
today) to support the free eye surgery
programme. Despite these initial setbacks,
the breakthrough finally came.
The second thing I learned from my
encounter with Dr. Jonathan is that there
are government officials who genuinely
care about the welfare of Nigerians and
strive to improve lives. Even in the midst
of corruption and apathy, you’ll find God-
fearing leaders who provide immediate
solutions to pressing problems.
The last thing I will like people to take
away is that it’s okay to aim high. I could
have donated textbooks to the students of
Kiama Grammar School and registered the
donation with NYSC as a personal
community development initiative. But I
decided to aim high and impact as many
lives as possible, and thanks to Dr.
Goodluck Jonathan, I succeeded.
These three lessons inspired me to share
my national youth service experience with
Nigerian youths and with those who find it
difficult to cope with government
bureaucracy and the challenges of life.
A lot has been written about the upcoming
February 14 presidential election, and most
of the debate revolves around speculation.
I already know my choice for the office of
the president and it is based on personal
experience, not fantasy or rumors. He
might not be a perfect president; but he is
a man that can listen and act;especially
when approached with solutions to our
national problems. However, my vote will
go to the affable former deputy governor
of Bayelsa State who believed in a youth
corper and acted promptly to improve the
health of the helplesshelples
Disclaimer: I will like to inform the general public
that this article is self sponsored and not a
product of the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign
organization


Links:lindaikeji..nl/2015/02/audacity-of-hope-corpers-encounter-with.html?m=1

I love GEJ...haters G n D.I have said it a million times this is the only leader who has the interest of Nigerian youths at heart and seeing how he has constantly empowered the youths and freed majority of the enslaved nothern youths (with education) those who think they were born to rule will do everthing possible to taint his goodworks but Goodluck will certainly overcome and preside over them once more.

Very impressive...

Luv ur determination......tnk God 4 using the president to make ur drim come tru!!!

Op, i just don't know anymore, i guess you are changing my mind. I mean its not my fault i just want the Best for this Nation.
GMB/GEJ?
Sigh**

What an inspiring and touching story... God Bless Jonathan

MizyB:
Op, i just don't know anymore, i guess you are changing my mind. I mean its not my fault i just want the Best for this Nation.
GMB/GEJ?
Sigh**

My dear, if barcanista can sing Jonathan's song, then you should consider... GMB is a great man, but the hawks around him are the causes of our problems.

Allah bless Jonathan,
Allah bless corper
Allah bless barcanista

Wow, Audacity of hope the title got my attention, it was even published.
Congrats, greatest FUTOite, well represented.

Seriously I don't need this write up to know that GEJ is a nice man. I may not know him in person but from my observations he means well for Nigeria.

The only issues with him is that he's not a politician, he is surrounded by sycophants.

Each time I see people insulting him, i feel bad, anyway all this can only happen in Nigeria, addressing the president anyhow should Result to 6months jail term.

I wish I have PVC, but God will strengthen him, amen

barcanista:
This is unnecessary bro!

barcanista do u know why am angry with you is because you suppose to be a light that will shone and instead u decide to buried the truth!barcanista we all stand for one thing in this life,just know that the way of the wicked may seems enjoyable but the end is destructions,I av come to like you not because you once support apc but u speak the truth,Apc and Pdp are same coin,but we know the truth of those that will perform when we get to the throne,peace barcanista

bayulll01:
barcanista do u know why am angry with you is because you suppose to be a light that will shone and instead u decide to buried the truth!barcanista we all stand for one thing in this life,just know that the way of the wicked may seems enjoyable but the end is destructions,I av come to like you not because you once support apc but u speak the truth,Apc and Pdp are same coin,but we know the truth of those that will perform when we get to the throne,peace barcanista

See begging of life.
Lolz

The truth is there for all to see.

God Bless GEJ!

vivalavida:


See begging of life.
Lolz

product of fail society does that look like a beg slowpoke

bayulll01:
product of fail society does that look like a beg slowpoke

take it easy bro,i know it is painful but you have no choice... Its either u take it or u leave it..

dhardline:
I love GEJ...haters G n D.I have said it a million times this is the only leader who has the interest of Nigerian youths at heart and seeing how he has constantly empowered the youths and freed majority of the enslaved nothern youths (with education) those who think they were born to rule will do everthing possible to taint his goodworks but Goodluck will certainly overcome and preside over them once more.

Gbam!!!

Jonathan, I and family, but nuclear and extended, got your back!

tit:
Allah bless Jonathan,
Allah bless corper
Allah bless barcanista

And Bless Tit also

Na wa o! That he did what he did as a deputy governor has now become a campaign tool! Shioor.


GEJ, no matter his deceiving posture and calm outward look, can best be described as a man who was destined to be president even though he was not fit to be a local government chairman.

By his public utterances and actions, you surely cannot miss the fact that his presidency has been disastrous to the nation.

I shared tears afer reading this

PassingShot:
Na wa o! That he did what he did as a deputy governor has now become a campaign tool! Shioor.


GEJ, no matter his deceiving posture and calm outward look, can best be described as a man who was destined to be president even though he was not fit to be a local government chairman.

By his public utterances and actions, you surely cannot miss the fact that his presidency has been disastrous to the nation.

Definitely u r from France. Because people from France never see anything good in other people

barcanista:
My dear, if barcanista can sing Jonathan's song, then you should consider... GMB is a great man, but the hawks around him are the causes of our problems.

you are not wrong my brother! We really need God's intervention!

bayulll01:
I have never seen anybody as hopeless and senseless person like you before,you see even among solders u don't see them jumping to enemy camp and start singing their enemy praise,how better are you when we talk about ffk,life is not all about money,u don't need to sell your soul,I ask you a questions which you refuse to answer,what is it that jonathan is doing now that makes you to sing his praise,no wonder foreign ally sees us black as people without,ideology,class,honor and integrity,posterity will surely judge you,and ur generations yet unborn will surely partake in the destructive and cluelessss this present regime has turned nigeria too,Apc or Pdp nigeria will survive

Everyone has the right to support who they want to support.

MizyB:
Op, i just don't know anymore, i guess you are changing my mind. I mean its not my fault i just want the Best for this Nation.
GMB/GEJ?
Sigh**

Kanu Nwankwo has been doing somthing similar for over a decade.

Countless Nigerians too regularly sponsor less priviledged people for free surgeries in India and other countries.

Why must GEJ with access to the National coffers be an exemption??

Crap, for every eye surgery GEJ sponsors, consider the hundreds that died at the Hands of Boko Haram that he ignored to Politik, girls kidnapped that he denied their existence and the millions that stand to loose from the economic downturn looming due to GEJ's corrupt goons robbing the Nation.

barcanista:
What an inspiring and touching story... God Bless Jonathan

You no even get yarns again.

No passion.

major466:

Everyone has the right to support who they want to support.

I agree

Op, greatest Futoites. Finished from mech eng. I am proud of your achievement even though i am just hearing it for the first time. Politics aside anybody who would want you to vote a person you have not met should think twice. I have friends and they are stunch APC fans and sincerely i would never try changing them because the local government chairman who is an APC member tarred their road. When i see people choose candidates because of what the individual or party had imparted in them, i respect such chioce. I would vote Jonathan not because of propaganda but because of his policies and person and how they affect me. Front page abeg!

ba7man:
Kanu Nwankwo has been doing somthing similar for over a decade.

Countless Nigerians too regularly sponsor less priviledged people for free surgeries in India and other countries.

Why must GEJ with access to the National coffers be an exemption??

Crap, for every eye surgery GEJ sponsors, consider the hundreds that died at the Hands of Boko Haram that he ignored to Politik, girls kidnapped that he denied their existence and the millions that stand to loose from the economic downturn looming due to GEJ's corrupt goons robbing the Nation.

Wow, that's another pensive angle! Thank you, my brother!