₦airaland Forum

The contribution of the National Youth Service Corps to the socio-economic development of Nigeria has received attention in recent times. In some quarters, it was stated that the contributions of the National Youth Service Corps in the health sector in the country could not be overemphasized.

This much was corroborated by the impact of NYSC doctors across the country during the indefinite strike action by Resident Doctors. It was on record that NYSC doctors indeed rendered invaluable services in most public hospitals across the country.

According to Professor Femi Johnson, a public health expert at the University of Ibadan, he stated that the NYSC plays a critical support role in the health sector in Nigeria. This much he highlighted has been the norm for decades. He said that "people make the mistake of thinking NYSC doctors are not eminently qualified. That is an error of judgement. These are qualified doctors who are undertaking their mandatory national service year."

“The strike action by resident doctors in the country recently indeed exposed the inadequacies in the health sector, as well as the importance of the NYSC as a scheme in the health sector in Nigeria.”

This much was corroborated by a top-ranking member of the Nigerian Medical Association, who pleaded anonymity. He stated that most public hospitals in Nigeria depend heavily on NYSC doctors and nurses, especially in rural areas.

"In most public health centres across the country, the mainstay are corps members, either doctors or nurses. This is not strange because it is what the NYSC entails. It is service for these newly inducted medical doctors.”

This fact was corroborated by scores of health experts interviewed. They believed that the NYSC as an institution could be classified as an interventionist agency for its critical role in the country's life.

According to Nnonso Nwangwu, a medical doctor in one of the Federal Medical Centres in the country, the NYSC doctors are an integral part of the health sector in Nigeria. “As a fact, we look forward to the posting of NYSC doctors to our facility to augment our workforce year in year out. This is cognizant of the fact that lots of doctors are leaving Nigeria in droves, and the lifesaver has been NYSC doctors, who are always willing and able to provide critical intervention.”

He further added that the government should act as a matter of urgency to extend the service year for doctors and nurses to fill in the void created by the massive brain drain experienced in the health sector in Nigeria.

"We need the government to address the brain drain issue by extending the service year for medical personnel undergoing the NYSC scheme. I dare say that some states in Nigeria depend wholly on NYSC doctors and nurses to man primary healthcare centres, and in some instances general hospitals.”

He also expressed fear that some health institutions might collapse without the intervention of the NYSC doctors. “We fear for the collapse of the health sector in some states, and the government must come to terms with this stark reality and do all possible to address some of the issues at the NYSC for its contributions in the health sector cannot be overemphasized.”

According to a member of the National Assembly from one of the states in the South West, he emphasized how youth corps members have been bridging an invaluable gap not just in the health sector, as well as the educational and agricultural sectors.

“As a lawmaker, I have consistently advocated for the sustenance of the reforms in the NYSC scheme. Both on the floor of the hallowed chambers and in my other engagements, I have posited that the NYSC remains a vital tool for sustainable growth and development. For example, I know of three local government areas in my state that survive on the inputs of corp members in the educational, health and agricultural sectors.”

“I recall some of my colleagues share the same opinion as mine because they also are aware of the invaluable contributions of the NYSC in national development. But guess for political considerations, they have elected to shy from speaking the truth. And this is sad and a disservice to the country.”

A member of a civil society organization who pleaded anonymity stated that during the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the country, NYSC doctors were at the forefront of curtailing the further spread of the virus.

“We must be reminded that NYSC doctors were among the frontline health workers that worked round the clock in governments efforts towards addressing the challenge as it were. I wonder why no mention was ever made of this invaluable contribution. Again, this reminds us of the fact that some stakeholders have refused to look beyond their prejudices to admit that the NYSC scheme remains a lifesaver in Nigeria.”

“ I recall that NYSC doctors and nurses were found in most isolation centres working round the clock. But were they recognize? This is unfortunate, and this trend must be discontinued. We can’t continue to live in ignorance by joining the bandwagon calling for the scrapping of the NYSC scheme.”

It would be recalled that the NYSC management has in recent times advocated for more allocation of resources to equip corps members during their service year through the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund to assist corp members in ways too numerous to mention.

The leadership of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) of Nigeria and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were singled out for praises on Monday when hundreds of Nigerians trooped the streets of Abuja to hold a 'thank you rally' for President Muhammadu Buhari.

Led by the Civil Society Groups on Security Reforms in Nigeria, the Nigerians expressed gratitude to the president for his purposeful leadership in poverty alleviation, infrastructural development, agricultural reforms, corruption fight, among others.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigerians, the group's convener, Comr. Dauda Owolabi Abdullateef, hailed Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi and his NSCDC counterpart, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for embibing and replicateng the president's quality leadership virtues.

Since his appointment in 2014, Abdullateef noted that the FRSC boss has carried out his responsibility with equanimity and sense of patriotism.

He said Dr Boboye has introduced numerous reforms that has finally returned the agency to the path of sanity and honour.

Among others, Abdullateef said there is now transparency, accountability and dedication in the FRSC, visible in the creation of anti-corruption app and National Traffic Radio (NTR).

In the NSCDC, meanwhile, the group said Dr Audi has filled the void provided by the overstretched security formations across the country, ensuring adequate security for the lives and properties of Nigerians.

Abdullateef said the NSCDC's partnership with relevant security agencies has repelled bandits' attacks across the country, thanks to the resilience and firm leadership of Dr Audi.

According to him, many schools in the North-West and North-East relied heavily on the security provided by the NSCDC to keep their schools open and students safe.

While passing a vote of confidence on President Buhari together with the duo, the Nigerians said the FRSC and NSCDC can do more with improved funding.

If this is done, Abdullahef further noted that there will be more quality reforms in the road traffic sector and enhanced cooperation between the NSCDC and other agencies, particularly now that the country is embroiled in security challenges.

The group, however, warned "misguided individuals" and "troublemakers" to quit their antics as it is distracting both leaders.

Read full statement below:

Today presents yet another opportunity to appreciate the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for the purposeful leadership it has provided Nigerians since it’s inception in 2015.

Nigerians cannot thank Mr President enough for running a people-driven administration with special interest in poverty alleviation, infrastructural development, Agricultural reforms and corruption fight.

As a group with primary focus on security reforms in Nigeria, it will be an incurable oversight if we fail to also recognize the efforts of the current Leadership of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) of Nigeria and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in replicating the quality leadership of Mr President in their respective outfits.

It is on record that since the mantle of leadership of the FRSC fell on Dr Boboye Oyeyemi on July 24 2014, he has carried out his onerous responsibility with equanimity and sense of patriotism. He has introduced numerous reforms that has finally returned the agency to the path of sanity and honour. As the first Corpse Marshall to be appointed from the inside, he distinguished himself and harmonized the past mistakes of his predecessors, his experience and patriotism into building an FRSC that has become the pride of the nation. We invite fellow Nigerians to take a cursory look into Dr. Oyeyemi’s impressive use of modern technology to fight the corruption that has in the past, brought the organization to public ridicule and disrepute. Oyeyemi ensures that the commands are run efficiently on budgeted allocations, which are paid as regularly as the financial releases are made by the federal government to avoid a situation where the commanding officers and patrol teams could be tempted to compromise their responsibilities by resorting to illegal sources of funding their operations. Through this mechanism, commanding officers are sure of finances to routinely carry out repairs of their operational vehicles and other administrative costs without resort to self-help that could compromise them.

Oyeyemi has developed a workable framework that ensures that only stated fines are paid by violators and the corps under him, has continued to carry out series of sensitization programs to ensure members of the public do not fall prey to the corruption antics of overzealous members of the corps. And in further demonstrating its commitment to corruption-free society which aligns with the philosophy of the present administration, Oyeyemi-led Management went into partnership with an NGO known as Akin-Fadeyi Foundation to launch an anti-corruption App by which victims of corruption from members of the Corps can immediately activate and send report of the transactions to the FRSC Headquarters for immediate remedial action.

In furtherance of its policy on transparency, the present Management of Corps Marshal Oyeyemi last year established the National Traffic Radio (NTR) to provide ample opportunity for members of the public to not only get information on traffic updates and road conditions across the country, but report any negative encounter with members of the Corps including demand for bribes directly to the studios.

The traffic radio which has been in operation is providing direct access to members of the public through various communication tools for unhindered fight against impunity and corruption among the FRSC personnel and other incidents.

The FRSC under Corps Marshal Boboye Oyeyemi also earned international accolades for its efforts in reducing the accident rate in Nigeria to slightly above 2000, record low, in 2018.

In the NSCDC, the current Commandant General of the corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi has stepped into the gap of insecurity provided by the overstretched security formations across the country, to ensure adequate security for the lives and properties of Nigerians. The successes witnessed by the NSCDC in partnering with other relevant security agencies to relentlessly repel bandits attacks across the country has been attributed to the resilience and firm leadership of Abubakar Audi.

In the wake of the incessant kidnappings and bandit attacks in the North, many schools in the North-West and North-East relied heavily on the security provided by the NSCDC to keep their schools open and students safe.

In view of the performance of the two security outfits highlighted above and the need for more quality services to the nation, our group has resolved to use this opportunity to solicit for more funding to the duo of FRSC and NSCDC. If they can achieve all these with the scarcely adequate funds at their disposal, this group is confident that with more funding, there will be more quality reforms in the road traffic sector, while the NDCDC will be better placed to continue to partner with the relevant security outfits to provide adequate security for all Nigerians, particularly, now that the country is embroiled in insecurity challenges.

We also wish to use this opportunity to pass a vote of confidence on the leadership of FRSC and NSCDC for their good performances and assure them that Nigerians will not forget their records of excellence. We implore them to remain resolute in their patriotism and drive to discharge their duties to the best of their abilities.

Consequently, we wish to distance ourselves and the majority of Nigerians from the antics of some misguided individuals who has constituted themselves into willing tools to be used by enemies of this great nation to distract the leadership of FRSC and NSCDC from the good work they are doing. May we unequivocally warn these trouble-makers and meddlesome interlopers to steer clear of these agencies, else they incur the wrath of well-meaning Nigerians who are enjoying their good work and patriotism.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group and Good Governance has kicked against the call for the removal of the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, describing it as a mere distraction.

The CSO, which made this known at a press conference today in Abuja, said those behind the frivolous campaign are mischief makers and should not be taken seriously.

In his address, the Executive Director, Gabriel Agibi, noted that the shadowy group, the Coalition of Civil Society Network, are only constituting a nuisance in the polity.

According to him, Dr Audi has proven to be a man on a mission since his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari, demonstrating an unflinching loyalty to the country, evident in his various innovations.

The CSO said as critical stakeholders, the CG's only sin could be his strong stance against corruption and insistence on due process which has not gone down well with some vested interests.

Agibi further revealed that these individuals are either ignorant or unaware of the impressive reforms introduced by Dr Audi that has overwhelmingly transformed the service for better performance.

The group, however, urged the unsuspecting members of the general public to be wary of overnight groups parading as human rights and good governance advocates, as they are against the interest of Nigeria, and by extension carrying out the bidding of some vested interest.

On its part, the Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group and Good Governance passed a vote of confidence on the CG in his numerous efforts at repositioning the NSCDC for greater productivity in service to the country.

Read Full Statememt Below:

The leadership of the Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group and Good Governance welcomes you all to this press conference put together to question the rationale for the call for the removal of the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps.

It is alarming that some shadowy group of persons parading under the nomenclature of The Coalition of Civil Society Network would elect to constitute a nuisance in the polity by calling for the sack of the Commandant General of the NSCDC most bizarrely.

It is quite unfortunate that the promoters of this group delved into an area they lacked knowledge, so much so that their modus operandi smacks of ignorance and a high level of mischief, hence the balderdash it stated in its press release.

The Coalition for Human Rights Monitoring Group and Good Governance sees this act as an affront to the collective sensibilities of Nigerians. We are also worried that such a concoction could be released into the press without recourse to the implication such a misnomer could have on the psyche of Nigerians.

We wish to place on record that the Commandant General of the NSCDC has been a man on a mission since his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari. On record, he has demonstrated an unflinching loyalty to the country, and this has been evident in the various innovations experienced in the NSCDC since he assumed leadership.

As critical stakeholders, we are tempted to believe that the sin of the Commandant General of the NSCDC in the fact that he has cleaned the Augean stable and this stance has not gone down well with some vested interest whose activities almost brought the NSCDC to its knees.

These agents of destabilization are still licking their wounds, and the best way for them to get their pound of flesh is to go to town with a diatribe such as alleging job racketeering and the display of arms on the website of the NSCDC.

As expected, the promoters of this group failed either by omission or commission to also highlight that the Commandant General of the NSCDC has indeed turned around the agency's fortunes within a record period.

They also failed to inform the general public of the sterling leadership attributes of the Commandant General of the NSCDC that has positioned the agency for more extraordinary exploits and indeed primarily responsible for the success story of the NSCDC in recent times.

We wish to state in unequivocal terms that the Commandant General of the NSCDC is not only doing wonders; he has indeed matched words with action to the chagrin of perpetrators of crime and criminalities across the country.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group and Good Governance wishes to use this medium to warn all detractors to desist from constituting themselves as clogs in the wheels of progress in the country. They must come to terms with the fact that Nigerians are now aware of their gimmick, no matter how hard they try to cover up.

We wish to place on record that those calling for the sack of the Commandant General of the NSCDC are not aware of the reforms that have been introduced that has better positioned the service for better performance.

We, therefore, encourage unsuspecting members of the general public to be wary of overnight individuals and associations parading as human rights and good governance advocates, as these groups and associations are against the interest of Nigeria, and by extension carrying out the bidding of some vested interest in the country.

The Coalition of Human Rights Monitoring Group and Good Governance gives the Commandant General of the NSCDC a vote of confidence in his numerous efforts at repositioning the NSCDC for greater productivity in service to the country.

We consequently advise members of the general public to extend support to the leadership of the NSCDC in this critical time of our existence and our quest for a safe and secured country.

We thank you all for your time and attention, and with your continued support, Nigeria will defeat its adversaries.

A youth Corper, Mr Godfrey Godwin Enang, of the Information and Communication Technology Department of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Abuja, has designed an application for the NARC.

The software is an in-house application composed of various applications that work seamlessly with one another linking the Central Registry, Inventory, Human Resource and Biometric attendance register, amongst others.

Mr Godfrey Enang who is also the Corpers’ Liaison Officer at the NARC, holds First Class Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science and Software Engineering from Univeristy of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom obtained in 2017. He also has a Master of Science Degree in Advanced Computer Science from University of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom obtained in 2019 with Distinction.

The National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) has been in the news of late regarding the living standards of NYSC orientation camps, as well as the safety of corps members during the mandatory service year that sees graduates of Nigerian universities posted to parts of Nigeria for national integration purposes.
This medium researched select NYSC orientation camps across the country to get the pulse of Corp members regarding their experiences in orientation camps and their places of primary assignment.
According to Ms Anabel Okechukuw (not real names), the NYSC has provided her with the long-awaited opportunity to experience life outside her state of origin. For Anabel, she has all her education in Abia state. Leaving Abia to Gombe state was initially scary, given what she has read about the north in most newspapers.
"The experience is different. My parents did all that they could to get a redeployment for me to no avail. My father asked me to be brave. The journey from Abia to Gombe was smooth. When I arrived at Gombe, I thought that was it, until I had to commute another 32.5Km from Gombe metropolis to Mallam Sidi, where you had the NYSC Orientation camp.”
“My experience at the camp was awesome. I made friends and consumed lots of watermelon. The camp facilities were in excellent shape. My parents didn't believe all I told them about Gombe state that I had to do a WhatsApp video call to allay their fears."
Ms Anabel's story wasn't different from that of other Corp members interviewed at the Mallam Sidi orientation camp and in some parts of Gombe state undertaking their mandatory service year. The general consensus is that of social interaction, bridge building and friendship across tribes and religions.
The case of Anike from Oyo state presents a story of how the NYSC has been fostering religious and ethnic tolerance amongst Nigerians. Anike is happily married to Usman from Taraba state. They met at the Rivers state NYSC orientation camp in Nowa Gbam Tai. For the couples, love-struck regardless of ethnic or religious affiliations. And today, they are happily married with a child.
"Our story would have been incomplete without our participation in the NYSC scheme. We believe that there are many others whose paths have crossed as a result of the NYSC scheme. And today, they are still relishing the NYSC experience."
When asked about the usefulness of the NYSC scheme in the lives of youths in the country, they stated that its service could not be overemphasized.
"During the NYSC programmes, my husband was a beneficiary of the Skills and Entrepreneurship Development programmes. Today is an employer of labour, and we have been living our lives in peace. Even though I wasn't keen on any of the programmes, I later realized that I missed an opportunity, but thank God my husband took it"
In Lagos state, the NYSC orientation camp in Iyana Ipaja was a beehive of activities. Corp members were actively engaged in camp activities. A visit around the camp facilities revealed a facility that is in top shape to accommodate Corp members. Those interviewed spoke in glowing terms about their experiences in the camp.
Richard from Akwa Ibom state stated that after his NYSC programme, he intends to settle down in Lagos to pursue a career. “I believe Lagos is the place for me, given the avalanche of opportunities. I have also indicated interest to partake in the various skill acquisition programmes introduced by the NYSC.
In an interaction with the Lagos State coordinator of the NYSC, Mr Cyril Akhanemhe, he stated that the Lagos state government had indicated interest to equip the NYSC orientation camp further to accommodate more corp members.
“As you can see, the facilities in the camp are in good shape, and that is not to say that we would not strive to improve on them. As you may know, the traffic to Lagos state is high. As such, we have been proactive in engaging the Lagos state government concerning facilities upgrade. The response has been positive so far.
In Katsina State, our correspondent who visited the NYSC orientation camp interacted with scores of Corp members about their experiences so far. The consensus was that of a peaceful and exciting exercise. When asked about the security situation in the state, most of them stated that there was adequate security in camps and the corpers lodges around the state.
According to one of the heads of the security agencies in the state, who pleaded anonymity, he stated that the security of Corp members takes premium. Inactive collaboration with the NYSC secretariat, the state government ensures that corp members are not posted to areas of risk to their lives.
The story was not different at the NYSC orientation camp in Kano state. Our correspondent gathered that the camp is fitted with state-of-the-art facilities and Corp members spoke glowingly about the facilities in the camp.
According to Chinwe, a graduate of the University of Nigeria, when she was posted to Kano state, she almost passed out because of fear of the unknown and insecurity. “I felt sick when I saw my posting to Kano state. But I can tell you that the experience has been awesome. The facilities in camps are good, the food is very okay, and the social interactions have been awesome. It feels like home, but for the morning drills."
Elisha Ambrose also corroborated Chinwe. He stated that the Kano NYSC orientation camp experience is pleasant. He would encourage prospective Corp members to lobby to be posted to Kano State. "The camp in Kano state is a place to be. The hostels are neat, and the food is also delicious."
The same story resonates across Nasarawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Adamawa, Enugu, Anambra and Abuja, where corp members praised the state of the camps, but for a few instances where some corp members could not hide their dislike for the food.
In all, the verdict of this medium is that the state of the NYSC camps across the country is befitting. Kudos must be extended to the management of the NYSC for ensuring that the orientation camp exercise is eventful, as well as satisfying for all corp members regardless of what state they were posted to for their primary assignment.

By Gbenga Osoba

I call myself a Lagosian. I love Lagos with all of me. Everything about me revolves around Lagos. The opportunities are endless. And I would dare say Lagos is addictive. I believe I am not alone on this boat of emotional upheaval about Lagos.

This also brings me to the addiction of university graduates to the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC). The feeling is euphoric when graduates adorn the NYSC khaki. Parents are elated and filled with so much joy. And the corp members themselves feel a sense of accomplishment.
Take it or leave it, the NYSC has been a great blessing to the country because it has brought about a sense of unity and cultural orientation amongst the various ethnicity in Nigeria. We have had instances of people who have never been outside of their states for the duration of their lives. The first trip out was a result of the NYSC programme, and the memories linger a lifetime.

For me, I would forever cherish my NYSC experience in Anambra state. There I made friends across religions and ethnicity. And some of my experiences in Awka remains indelible in my life. After my service year, I have had reasons to visit Akwa again and again for business and leisure. That is the beauty of the NYSC.

Do I talk about those that experienced business breakthrough as a result of their participation in the NYSC? Do I mention those that found their missing ribs during the NYSC programme? Do I say those who discovered their guardian angels during their service year or those whose fortunes changed forever because they were posted to particular states in the country due to the NYSC programme?

The NYSC is indeed an enduring legacy that ought to be upheld by successive governments for its benefits are innumerable. This much can be corroborated by those who initially thought outside their domains; there would be no life. But the good thing is that it is on record that these categories of people find it amazing that there could be life outside their immediate environment.

I know of scores of people who, after leaving for the NYSC programme, elect to stay behind and start-up life. The case of a childhood friend Rotimi comes in handy. Rotimi and I had been childhood friends. During our NYSC programme, he was posted to Adamawa state. I recall the depressed looks that he wore upon realizing he was posted to Adamawa state. Where is Adamawa state, he asked me? What part of the country is that he also asked? It was like the world had ended, and I am sure he cursed the NYSC scheme.

Today, Rotimi can be referred to as a son of the soil, as he stayed behind, got a Job in Yola and is happily married to a beautiful Numan lady, with whom they have three lovely kids. If anyone told Rotimi that Yola was where his destiny was, he would curse. If anyone ever told Rotimi that a Numan princess would be the mother of his kids, he would also curse. But such is life and the power of the NYSC.

Aside from the national integration purpose of the NYSC, it has served to bridge the critical gap amongst the various ethnic and religious affiliations in Nigeria. The NYSC is the bridge that links the South to the West, the North to the East and many more. And with these enduring attributes, I wonder what those advocating for the scrapping of the scheme have at the back of their minds.


Maybe mischief or ignorance, but whatever is the case, it is misplaced and must be discarded for lacking in merit and commonsense. Unless they want to feign ignorance to the nation-building impact, the NYSC has brought about in the country. Maybe they are not aware of that, but for the NYSC programme, lots of destinies would have been lost, and lots of people would probably still be wandering in search of direction in life.

They must also realize that participation in the NYSC scheme has also brought about religious and ethnic tolerance. It has erased some of the prejudices that were expressed towards certain tribes in the country. And if this is the case, isn’t the NYSC scheme worth celebrating? In this era of ethnic and religious tension across the country, the most potent tool to address the issues at hand is enhancing the NYSC programme.

The positives outweigh the negatives, and it would be foolhardy for us to jettison such an enduring legacy that has stood the test of time. There are no two ways about how enduring the NYSC scheme has been in the country's annals. And as such, we must do all within our reach to preserve the legacies of the NYSC.

I am glad that I was a part of the NYSC scheme and, likewise, millions of others. And the relevant stakeholders owe Nigeria and Nigerians a national duty to ensure the sustainability of this enduring legacy. The NYSC experience is enriching, memorable, and worth the while for millions of Nigerians. This piece is in celebration of an enduring legacy.


Osoba is a human resource manager writing from Bauchi.

By Best Agbese

Excellence can simply be defined as the quality of being outstanding or extremely good. It is not just about doing the right thing; it is about doing it exceptionally well.

The truth is, the more people there are in any society who put uncommon efforts into common everyday tasks, the more progress it makes. Therefore, I can boldly tell you that the CORE of Excellence is Unity, which flows from discussions of issues, and deliberate actions that reinforce confidence of people in genuine conservation around peaceful coexistence.

_“If Nigeria is to make rapid progress on all fronts internally, and if she’s to make her mark on the continent of Africa, and, indeed, in the comity of nations, her youths must be fully mobilized and be prepared to offer willingly and without asking for rewards in return, their best in the service of their nation at all times,”_ Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former Head of
State, said during the inauguration of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on June 4, 1973.

Above was the statement made by a great visionary leader that saw the best catalyst of a Nation's growth as the involvement of Her Youth in her daily affairs. This Truth have they uphold for decades, and they kept upholding it.

I can proudly say that, "one of the major factors that greatly geared me towards properly integrating into the Nigerian labour market and establishing a successful career is the NYSC scheme". It helped me better appreciate the different ethnic groups and cultures in Nigeria. It is therefore ludicrous that some conscienceless individuals are out to overrun the scheme .

The scheme which was established by the Yakubu Gowon administration in 1973 has since succeeded in achieving the several mandates it has pledged to achieve. If the scheme is properly gone over with a fine-tooth comb, one would realize that the NYSC scheme remains one of the greatest catalysts of promoting peace, national unity and cultural integration in the country. Thanks to the scheme, many Nigerian youths have learnt to appreciate cultural diversity and make friends and connections with individuals across the country. It has also helped eliminate tribalism and inter-cultural hatred.

It is quite obvious that the underhand activities by the individuals who want the scheme dead are aimed at either propagating political propaganda or an attempt to create enmity in the country. It is sad to also note that these individuals were also beneficiaries of the scheme, but have all quickly forgotten the numerous benefits they gained from the scheme.

There have been many defamatory claims and remarks against the NYSC scheme such as inadequate security for corps members; inadequate provision of welfare to corps members and poor states of orientation camps across the states in the country amongst other risible and false claims. These very individuals have forgotten the reason for the establishment of the scheme. They have also forgotten that the NYSC scheme was the reason why Nigeria was able to quickly heal from the wounds of the civil war and peace was rapidly restored in the country. The country is presently faced with threats of disintegration; in lieu of this, the NYSC remains one of the foremost factors in fighting against the horned demon of disintegration. Thus, it is obvious that anyone who stands against the scheme is not in support of having a ‘One Nigeria.’

It is important to note that, unlike the many false claims against the scheme, it has gone on carrying its mandates and the orientation of corps members in a secure and excellent environment in spite of the many challenges faced by the scheme. If you are opportune to visit an orientation camp in Nigeria, you would discover that the camps are in an impeccable state. The officials of the NYSC have done their best to ensure that proper accommodation in orientation camps are provided to corps members, good food and water and other basic amenities are provided in orientation camps. Medical screenings are also done on prospective corps members to ensure that they are healthy before they are admitted into the orientation camps.

No society, organization or country can hope to maximize its potential without forging a culture of excellence. The greatest disincentive in the pursuit of excellence, however, is the demonstration and tolerance of mediocrity by leadership. There
must be no conflicting signals. Those who have chosen to lead us have exemplified excellence in demonstrated integrity and competence, but a lot of detractors, anti-democracy manipulators, and crooks in politics have been trying to discredit the ambiguous effort this great administration has for our darling nation, through consistent futile attacks on pulling down The National Youth Service Corps.

Just recently, the NYSC made it mandatory that COVID-19 tests are carried out on prospective corps members before their admittance into the orientation camps. You would be surprised that in contrast to the libels against the NYSC scheme, the services and amenities provided by the scheme to corps members are top-notch. These camps are kept clean and secure thanks to the efforts of the sagacious officials.

It is also important to note that under the present administration, renovations have been carried out on several orientation camps across the country. Many dilapidated camps have also been restored and proper basic amenities which were once lacking have been brought back to the camps and made more conducive for living.

This goes a long way to show that the Nigerian government and the NYSC officials have the corps members at heart and they take their health and safety as a priority. If you visit the NYSC orientation camps, you would find medical workers who are dedicated to ensuring that all corps members are healthy and properly treated in the event of an emergency. All these factors have been put in place by the NYSC to provide a conducive and healthy environment for corps members so that throughout the duration of the scheme, they are kept safe and healthy. After all, safety and health are paramount in the life of every individual.

At this point, scrapping the NYSC would be utterly inane. It would be no better than reopening past wounds that haven’t completely healed. The present administration is currently doing its best in maintaining peace and unity in the country. Eliminating a major factor in promoting peace and unity in the country would only make the present situation in the country worse. It would breed hostility amongst Nigerian youths and destroy what our past leaders had worked so hard to achieve.

I can boldly say that I benefitted a lot from the scheme. During my year of service, I met a lot of people who positively influenced me, and made me see life from different perspectives; thanks to the diversity in their ethnicity. I also made a lot of friends and connections which has helped me in my journey through life. Several of the clients I work for, and with, were introduced to me by some of my friends who I met during my year of service. Presently, the NYSC continues to maintain its culture of excellence in the orientation camps equipping corps members with the necessary skills needed to build successful careers and contribute to the development of the nation.

President Muhammadu Buhari's led administration has over the years, through a great relentless effort, shown and proven that; it is not possible to circumvent excellence in character and productive output, and still be able to get ahead.
His leadership’s response towards the support given to the NYSC scheme has been commensurate with his dertermination to build and sustain excellence all through Nation.

What the country needs now isn’t scrapping of the NYSC, rather, the scheme should be preserved and protected. Certain areas of the scheme should be reformed. Better incentives can be provided to corps members. Security and safety of corps members should also be enhanced. I believe that the NYSC scheme should be fostered for any administration to take the country to greater heights.


Agbese is a researcher at the University of Dundee and wrote from Scotland.

The former house of assembly candidate contested and lost the 2019 House of Assembly Election in Edo State. took to his social media handle to drop a piece of advice for his followers about failure, as he resumes the prestigious Paris School of Business.

Read Below;

When You Fail, Stand Up and Keep Moving. In 2019, I contested for a seat at the Edo State House of Assembly and I lost.

That didn't deter me from continuing to speak out for my people. Losing the election doesn't mean I am a failure. I continued with my business, ventured into profitable things, and expanded my brand.

Don't ever allow failure on a thing to make you give up on another thing.

Failure is not falling but staying down.

When you fail, stand up and keep moving.

Today, I am now enrolled in the Paris School of Business, a world prestigious business school renowned for producing scholars. Just know that failure isn't fatal, but failure to change might be.

Following the assassination of Dr Chike Akunyili, the widower of late NAFDAC DG, Dora, the Igbos in Nigeria Movement (INM) has declared the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant arm, Eastern Security Network as curse to Ndigbo.

According to the group, Nnamdi Kanu's actions has proven that he is a man on a mission to destroy Igbo Land.

The group made this known today in a statement signed by its Director, Emmanuel Ebuka.

The proscirbed separatist group is alleged to have masterminded the murder of the late medical practitioner and other violent incidences in the region.

And according to the INM, Akunyili's death has left "a sour taste in our mouths regarding the activities of IPB/ESN in the South-East", noting that the brazen act is a complete denigration of the revered Igbo culture.

The group said all well-meaning sons and daughters of Igbo extraction must rise in defence of their land from Nnamdi Kanu and his bloodthirsty group.

While calling on Kanu and his cohorts to desist forthwith from their nefarious activities, the INM urged all security agencies to go all out for the members of IPOB/ESN.

If nothing is done, the group said a semblance of the Boko Haram insurrection in North-East could surface in the region.

The Igbos in Nigeria Movement, however, called for an immediate end to the violence, urging all well-meaning Igbo sons and daughters to disassociate themselves from their activities.

Read full statement below:

The gruesome murder of DrIIhike Akumyili and other innocent Igbo sons and daughters by IPOB/ESN in South-East Nigeria

We welcome you all to this critical press conference put together in condemnation of the nefarious activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its militia wing, the Eastern Security Network in South-East Nigeria, in recent times.

Ladies and gentlemen, we must agree that all is indeed not well in South-East Nigeria, with the escalating rate of kidnappings, murders and assassinations, which by and large is being perpetuated by a group of criminal elements parading themselves as agitators for the emancipation of Igbo land.

The Igbos in Nigeria Movement is alarmed that such unwholesome activities are being perpetuated without recourse to the socio-economic implications such actions would have in South-East Nigeria.

The recent assassination of eminent Physician Dr Chike Akunyili leaves a sour taste in our mouths regarding the activities of IPB/ESN in South-East Nigeria. It is indeed a brazen act of complete denigration of the revered Igbo culture.

The activities of IPOB/ESN are indeed sacrilegious, and the Igbos in Nigeria Movement condemns it in its entirety. These acts are demeaning, and as such, all well-meaning sons and daughters of Igbo extraction must rise in defence of Igbo land from Nnamdi Kanu and his group of blood-sucking demons.

It is also said that a man that calls himself an Igbo man would elect to bring misery to his people in his blind pursuit of self-aggrandizement, which he aims to achieve on the alter the blood of innocent Igbo sons and daughters.
It is no longer news that IPOB/ESN is carrying out most of the killings and arsons experienced in Igbo land. And the question is, for how long would these rascals and demons continue with their unholy trade?

The Igbos in Nigeria Movement uses this medium to send a warning to Nnamdi Kanu and his buffoons to desist forthwith from their nefarious activities that have brought untold sorrows, tears and blood in South-East Nigeria.
Nnamdi Kanu and his cohorts remain anti-Igbo. Their actions also portray an attempt to destabilize the South East region in return for a plate of porridge, which is shameful.

The Igbos in Nigeria Movement urges the various security agencies to go all out for the members of IPOB/ESN to end the reign of terror in South-East Nigeria. We also urge the federal government to ensure Nnamdi Kanu is made to account for his atrocities in South-East Nigeria. The families of innocent sons and daughters in Igbo land must get justice for the tears, sorrow and blood inflicted by the IPOB/ESN.

We also wish to state that it is on record theat Nnamdi Kanu and his IPOB/ESN group is in bed with some vested interest that is bent on seeing the destruction of Igbo land, hence the senseless killings and attack on crucial government infrastructures.

Only the devils incarnate would derive joy in spiling innocent blood, and that is what Nnamdi Kanu represents. From all indications, they have sold their souls to the devil.

The Igbos in Nigeria Movement consequently states that Nnamdi Kanu is a curse upon the people of South-East Nigeria. His actions have proven that he is a man on a mission to destroy Igbo Land. But we shall resist him and his shenanigans.

The killings in South-East Nigeria must stop forthwith. The security agencies must go after IPOB/ESN members with utmost urgency; else, we risk a semblance of the Boko Haram insurrection in North-East Nigeria.
The Igbos in Nigeria Movement is optimistic that very soon, the nefarious activities of IPOB/ESN shall be nipped in the bud and the South East region shall experience sustainable peace and development.

We thank you all for your time and attention. We reiterate that Nnamdi Kanu and his IPOB/ESN renegades are not in the interest of Igbo land. As such, all well-meaning Igbo sons and daughters should disassociate themselves from their activities.

May God continues to bless Igbo Land as our commitment to the socio-economic development of the Igbo land remains unflinching.

NORTH CENTRAL ZONE OF NYCN DECLARES THREE DAYS MOURNING OVER LOSS OF BENUE STATE CHAPTER CHAIRMAN



The North Central zone of the National Youth Council of Nigeria said it has gotten approval from the President of the NYCN Amb. Sukubo Sara-igbe Sukubo has declared three days of mourning, following the loss of the Benue State Chapter of the Council, Comrade George Odoo. Comrade Odoo had been declared missing for days after he embarked on a short trip until the news broke that he had been involved in an accident and passed on to the great beyond.
In a press release signed by the Vice President of the Zone, Comrade Mukhtar Akoshile, the NYCN described Comrade George as “a passionate youth with indomitable zeal couched in humility and wisdom beyond his years”. Comrade Akoshile also described the loss of Comrade Odoo as an “unquantifiable loss to the whole of Nigeria and Benue state in particular as he was shaping up to be a genuine impact maker in national affairs, from his stint in the Benue state youth council”.
Comrade Akoshile directed that “all flags be flown at half-mast in all council offices within the north-central zone, while the minute silence should be observed at all functions of the chapters within the zone for the next one month”.

Comrade Akoshile condoled with the family and the good people of Benue state led by the Executive Governor Samuel Ortom and assured them that “Comrade Odoo’s legacy of bringing stability to youth council activities in Benue state will be sustained and consolidated upon to ensure that Benue youth are not left out of the many capacity building and welfare packages available to them through council advocacy and programmes”. The zonal vice president also announced that formal condolence activities and programmes to preserve his memory are planned, and details will be announced after an emergency meeting of zonal executives that has been summoned for today, and due consultations with the Benue state chapter as well as other stakeholders.

Yari would Never be A Worst APC National Chairman Like Adam Oshiomole, A rejoinder.


In just one year after a disgraceful and shameful exit as the national chairman of the ruling APC, the political career of Adams Oshiomhole has suffered a huge setback to the extend that today Oshiomole has became a political mad dog who is attacking the most responsible national figure, a resourceful leader of APC, a Cheiftain of APC and hopefully the next national Chairman of APC, His Excellency Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar.

On this aspect of rejoinders, we decided to digest every single lie and claim by Adam Oshiomole on the most committed and incoming APC National Chairman HE Abdulaziz Yari with the tangible facts and clear terms that every right thinking Nigerian will belief on.



First of all, as we all know today in Nigerian politics, Adam Oshiomole has already became an expired political product that no party is willing to buy such product into there domain and the overal populance today believes that Oshiomole’s political career have been reduced to just a mere rubble rouser and by no other person than the former Edo state governor who after leaving the office became the worst ever APC National Chairman in the history of Nigerian politics.

Again, not so long after the court of appeal affirmed his sack as the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oshiomole has been dislodged in Edo state where he governed from 2008 to 2016. The people of Edo became more clear to the term that they disown him from there state for been an usual failure and the worst political creation from their state. But this, is another story for another day or may be in the subsequent version of the rejoinder.

For record emphasis and to make histroy very clear for the yet unborn generation. Its very important that other Nigerians especially members of the APC across the nation to know that, Oshiomole’s claims against the most humble politician Abdulaziz Yari are untrue, false and just a mere verbal masturbation from a mis-guided, illogical and both mouted politician of the century, who fails to different between the excellent leadership of Abdulaziz Yari in all ramifications and his worst ever leadership of APC as a party.

But before then, Oshiomole claimed that Yari was not able to manage the political affairs of a single state and that he would be the worst APC national chairman if elected into the position by the party. Fine !, On this, it’s very important to take us back to the political history of the man Abdulaziz Yari to know whether if he is truly a failure or a winner and a success politician.

Since from the beginning of Yari’s political sojourn in 1987, Yari was never for once been a failure, but rather a succeesful winner, a progressive planner, a strategic politician, a master of the game and serial winner of all the political battle that came across his way.

Yari remains on the winning site since from the political permutation of DPN when Abdul’aziz Yari was just a youth leader of the party that mobilized for a party chairman to win the seat of party chairman during the IBB era. He was a winner during UNCP era, a winner during the APP time, a winner during ANPP politicking, a perfect winner and the building block in creation of APC merger and he currently remains a winner at the current APC political generation.

The political assignment given to Yari in 1999 when he served as the Secretary of the then All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) between 1999 and 2003 delivered successfully. He delivered when he was elected Chairman of ANPP Zamfara State in 2003 and later rose to the position of ANPP National Financial Secretary and served in this position till 2007. He delivered when he was elected as Member representing Anka/Talata Mafara Federal Constituency from 2007 to 2011. He was a winner at all times and and delivered perfectly what was given to do.

On April 26, 2011, the people of zamfara state asked Yari to come back home from the National Assembly for a number one seat assignmnet in the state and was elected Governor of Zamfara State on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party(ANPP). Yari was a winner and delivered the mandate and the assignment given to him by his people.

Again in the 2015 gubernatorial elections, the people of zamfara saw a better zamfara state under Abdulaziz Yari and they re-elected him as Governor under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC). He was again a winner and delivered his assignment at this junction.

On May 18, 2015, Yari’s colleagues in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum unanimously elected him as their Chairman, succeeding Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi after believing in Yari’s able leadership and charisma to lead them as the Chairman NGF. This alone shows how Abdulaziz Yari can be able to managed over 36 states including Adam Oshiomole’s state affairs tackless of one state.

In addition, when Zamfara State Governor Mahmud Shinkafi defected to the PDP in January 2009, taking the ANPP’s state executive committee with him, the whole Nigeria is watching zamfara politics then, Yari take the remaining pieces of the ANPP, re-arranged it, build it and delivered the seat of the Governor to the party by depeating the seating governor who left the party A political battle that up to today many politicians in Nigeria respected and saluted Yari for. Here again, Yari was a winner and delivered the assignment given to him and shows to the world his political sagacity to make things that are impossible happens politically possible. Then to ask Oshiomole where is Yari became a failure politically ?

On the side of Adam Oshiomole political sojourn, history have it that even the governorship election that made him the governor of Edo state was not win battle by Oshiomole’s popularity, but was given to the Oshiomole by the court and not from the people’s votes. An indication that Oshiomole served a political carrier as a failure and worst governor.

Secondly, when Adam Oshiomole talk about Yari’s unable to manage the political affairs of a single state, or become a failure since before he became the national chairman of APC. It’s baffles any one to call Oshiomole as either stupid and mentally retarded politicial or some one who know nothing about the political struggle of Yari’, yari political process and yari political dynasty since day one.

Coming to the 2015 historic politicking on merger to form the APC when Abdulaziz Yari headed and hosted the merger proceeding between AD, ACN, ANPP and others. A time when every body was in fair and confused over the challenges within the different parties involved in the merger. International politicians, political experts and political parties are saying it is impossible to happen, but Yari made a history of making it possible to form the APC that today Nigerians is witnessing and every one is willing to be in it including Adam Oshiomole.

After the formation of the APC, Yari was able to delivered Northwest zone for President Buhari and APC, he was able to delivere Zamfara state to APC completely. He delivered 3 Senators, 7 House of Reps and 24 State Assembly members to APC. Where is Adam Oshiomole hidden in 2015 when Yari accomplished these to APC ?

Then, let forget about 2015 since Oshiomole has not done any thing to APC and was no where to be found then. In 2019, despite all the challenges faced by Abdulaziz Yari which was initiated, engineered and sponsored from the Oshiomole’s national office to ensure Oshiomole’s prepapred candidate that paid the highest transaction succeed, if not for Yari’s doggedness and commitment.

Oshiomole openly declared that, it is either his prepared candidate in zamfara or no election. Unfortunately for Oshiomole, Yari was there for the masses and the people of zamfara until Oshiomole’s candidate was push to shame.

Yari stand still for the people’s choice and after Oshiomhole saw a clear defeat on his higher bidder and annointed candidate from the side of Yari. He quickly dissolved the primary election to escape embrassement. Unlikely, on the second primary election time, Oshiomole failed to sent another delegation for the primaries until its about only 24 hours left to the closure of primaries by the INEC just to maneuver his way, but at the end fails again. What is more surprising is that, at that time when the second team was sent to conduct the primaries. The chairman of the Primaries locked himself in a room to delay the time when thousand of APC members are waiting to hold the election before the time. An indication that, it was already setup from Adam Oshiomole directives. To salvage the party from Oshiomole’s evil plan against zamfara APC, Yari has to quickly perform the primaries under the NWC to protect the party. Then who is a failure here between Yari and Oshiomole ?.

At that time, Yari can decamp to any party and win his election hands down in zamfara state, because the people of zamfara are with the Yari and not the party. But he prepared to stand and stay in A!PC a party he formed with his own hand and nutred to progress. Its abnormal for Yari to abandoned the house he built for millions of party members in Nigeria. So, he continued with the struggles in APC after winning the elections 100 percent from Tribunal to the Supreme Court just to ensure justice for APC before the Supreme Court delivered the success of the APC to the opposition party PDP.

Imagine Yari a man who fought such kind of a political battle to win a governorship seat for the party, 3 senators, 7 House of Reps and 24 state Assembly members, but Oshiomole as the party chairman cannot find a way to settle a simple crisis within the party that already won the elections. This alone says alot for Oshiomole to be the worst APC national Chairman.

To say the least, upon all this, today Oshiomole has the gut to even calls Yari a failure. But its very open that one will now belief that the best person to call a worst failure should be Adam Oshiomole whose under his leadership as APC Chairman, the party suffrpered the following ;

1- APC lost over 3 governors to the opposition PDP especially Governor Aminu Tambuwal of sokoto, because Adams Oshiomole failed to managed them in the party.

2- In 2019 under Oshiomole APC lost over 5 states including Edo state, the state of Adam Oshiomole due to lack of proper management of the party by Oshiomole.

3- Zamfara state that was completely APC state under Yari and has won all the elections, lost at the court due to improper administrative nature of Oshiomole.

4- Oshiomole as chairman of APC that used the party as his personal bank account where he lured incomes from the candidates of his choice to secure tickets.

5- Oshiomole that can’t delivere his own state to the party he was chairing or on the presidential election should definetly considered the worst APC chairman of APC.

Finally, Oshiomole’s serial failure to the party, was the main reason for sacking him out as the APC national chairman and on this who is a real failure between Yari and Oshiomole ?

Concerned Citizens of Zamfara.

At Ibadan, Akerele other scholars insist on economic diversification

The Nigerian at 61 lecture program held at the University of Ibadan on the 1st of October 2021 saw intellectual fire works between scholars and policy makers on how to move Nigeria to the next level of productivity and citizens engagement.

Starting with Prof Remi Aiyede, the HOD political Science, who identified weak political participation by young people and a faulty electoral system as the bane of Nigerian politics to Ambassador Adedotun Adepoju who reminisced Nigeria diplomatic relations and insisted that Africa must continue to be the center piece of Nigerian foreign policy. The scholars and panelist agreed that there is so much to do in Nigeria by young persons and therefore they must be free as citizens to take advantage of government initiatives to develop their capacities across board.

However, for Taiwo Akerele, country Representative of Policy House International, the only way poverty and brain drain can be curbed in Nigeria is for the government to invest more technical in education, SME and private sector involvement in infrastructure financing.

Akerele in his paper, Nigeria at 61, reflections on governance, economy and the challenges before the next generation called on Nigerian youths to be more engaging in their quest to be part of the development of the country especially as the not too young to run bill as been passed by the national assembly.

Akerele who is also the Abuja chapter of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Abuja insisted that government must revive reading culture, increase its investment in basic education and agriculture for a better society. He called for a change in spending to investment in human capital especially in the technical education sector of the economy.

The University of Ibadan social science annual independence lecture was well attended by students, civil society organizations, members of the diplomatic community and the media.

Awards were later given to the winners of the HOD cup by the HoD Prof Remi Aiyede and assisted by Comrade Habeeb Habeeb the president of the students union of Association of political science students of the university.

As Nigeria commemorate the 61 years of Independence, the Southern Nigeria Frontier SNF, wish to commend Nigerians, for their resilience, as the nation struggles towards experiencing the actualization of the promises of government, at various levels in the country, 61 years after the country attained Independence from colonial rule.

61 years after attaining Independence, our country still grapple with the failure of successive leadership, to actualize the dreams and aspirations, of our founding fathers, towards building a NATION from the country called Nigeria, bequeathed unto us, by the colonialists.

At 61 years, we have continued to spend a greater part of our productive national life and government focus, on issues of cattle grazing, grazing reserves and cattle routes. The federal government rather than preoccupying itself with issues that promotes national unity and cohesion, has been busy with mundane issues, that have polarised the country, in a manner, unprecedented in our history.

As we commemorate this 61 years of Independence amidst our continued quest for nationhood, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari must commence a deliberate state policy, that will immediately end the serial violations of the Federal Character principle through skewed appointments, failure of obligation in line with the constitutionally mandated state policy of the security and welfare of the citizens, and take adequate measures, towards decisively bringing an end to the fastly growing trend of all manner of insurgency, in the country.

The time we are, is so sensitive, that the administration of President Buhari should halt every tendencies, which undermines democracy and encourage a totalitarian government, which does not regard the role and powers of the federating units, particularly the states, in decision making, revenue generation and the promulgation of laws, that can allow the smooth operations, of the Constituent units, that make up the federal republic of Nigeria.

Finally, we wish to restate our commitment, to the collective aspiration of our people, which support the prohibition of the antiquated Open Grazing system and the popular demand, that the principles of equity, fairness and Justice be respected by political parties in the 2023 general elections, by ensuring that the Presidency of Nigeria, returns to the Southern part of the country.

It's Independence Day, but we say, not yet Uhuru....



Signed:

Olufemi Lawson
Spokesman,
Southern Nigeria Frontier SNF

By: Wisdom Okoh

Soon, Nigerians will rollout drums to celebrate one unique agency of the federal government which has distinguished itself outstandingly in public leadership. TheLeaderNG, an online media platform and, high profile experts in development journalism, who are the publishers of the www.theleaderng.com will celebrate the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for its iconic footprints in public space.

The commission, newly established by the FGN is mandated to cushion the effects of insurgency in the Northeast region. The NEDC has discharged this onerous responsibility with an uncommon zeal, determination and explosively, which has earned it, the rare award soon to be conferred on it by TheLeaderNG in the next few days.

A letter communicating this cheering news to the NEDC management, signed by Mr. Mohammed Basah, the innovative media platform stated that its “Diligence Council” unanimously voted the NEDC as the “Public Agency of the Year,” for the assessment Year 2021 because it impressively and astoundingly delivered on its mandate to the people.

The letter of award transmitted to the commission read in part, “…the North East Development Commission (NEDC) under your able watch in the face of a seemingly insurmountable charge by President Muhammadu Buhari, and how you have gone about the task with surgical precision to exceed reasonable expectations of stakeholders, has been adjudged as an exemplary performer in delivering public and services. Our assessment of the NEDC against others showed that the NEDC over all, has been an exemplary model of transparency and probity, while building a world class intervention agency with visible and measurable impact on the citizenry.”

Very many Nigerians are unaware that the country bask in over 500 Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs) of Government mandated with various responsibilities to make life more meaningful for Nigerians or serve as a bridge between the masses and the government.

But to assert that countless MDAs hardly make impacts on public challenges is stating the obvious. Most often, those mandated to lead these MDAs turn themselves into siphoning pipes for personal enrichment. The chief executives or heads of some of these agencies of government even dread accountability or cringe at the mere mention of anti-graft agencies or oversight functions by national parliamentarians.

Therefore, many of them exists only for the purpose of expending national resources unrewardingly. In spite of this subsisting challenge, heads of some of these MDAs have really distinguished themselves in public leadership. A notable example is the newly established North East Development Commission (NEDC), merely above two years of existence.

The operations of the NEDC fully commenced in 2019. And in slightly above two years, the NEDC has demonstrated itself as an agency which has overpowered the Nigeria’s regressive cancer and exculpated itself from the cultured setbacks of non-performing federal agencies.

No one in Nigeria can dispute that nursing an agency of government from scratch to fruition and to the extent of registering bold imprints in its sphere of jurisdiction is a herculean task. Nigerians have experienced such federal government intervention agencies in the country and the mess some of them have posted in national psyche. That’s why national development competitively eludes the citizenry on a broad scale.

However, the shining example of the NEDC is a reference point in Nigeria’s recent history. As an agency charged with the humanitarian-inclined responsibility of bringing succour to the distraught, distressed and traumatized people in the Northeast region, ravaged by Boko Haram insurgency for over a decade, all eyes were set on the agency to assess its positive manifestations. Some with sinister intentions even threw maliciously distractive and bruising darts at the NEDC management.

But it never deterred the commission’s management which is always conscious of its supreme mandate mainly as reducing or completely eradicating the impact of the multi-faceted humanitarian crises in the Northeast generated by the multi-dimensional destructions of public infrastructures, orchestrated and sustained by insurgency. The commission also recognized itself as pillar of the peace-building, reconciliation and de-radicalization agenda of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s Government in complementary roles of fighting the final blight of terrorism in the region.

Nonetheless, and in spite of the initial public skepticisms, the NEDC’s Managing Director, Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali and his management team have surprised Nigerians. NEDC operations commenced in 2019, with the initial grant of a paltry N10 billion from the FGN. And in less than a year of its operations, the global coronavirus pandemic struck and Nigeria was adversely affected by it, and the commission inclusive.

But pleasurably, the NEDC has effectively executed its mandate in mollifying ambiences to the people. More exciting, its exemplary performance has caught the attention of the international bodies, including the World Bank which have are already partnering with the commission in bettering the humanitarian crisis in the Northeast region.

And despite the hard hit on the economy, NEDC pulled itself from such entanglements to reach out to distraught people in the 112 LGAs and 1,028 council wards of the Northeast region. It’s a rare feat, especially, if gleaned from the reality that the NEDC management refused to be tethered to the obstacles and leeches of take-off, as peculiar with most new national establishments, as known in Nigeria.

And today, Nigerians particularly, the targeted population in the Northeast is beaming with smiles of a better life because NEDC has through specialized training, tutored the people on how to detonate terrorists discreetly planted and unexploded landmines in their communities. It is no longer a job abandoned to the Nigerian Military alone, which is grimly fighting to blight the final fires of the cursed jihadists bloody campaigners in the region.

Through, the commission’s ambitious policy of Multisectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP), actively backed by the World Bank, the NEDC is vigorously pursuing its agenda of sponsorship of education for youths of the region. It has berthed it through yearly scholarship grants in diverse areas of academic studies from first to doctor of philosophy (Ph.D) degrees under the Education Endowment Fund project in the region.

The NEDC has also impacted in the areas of drinking water and sanitation facilities in states of the Northeast and other humanitarian reliefs projects ensconced in the “Rapid Response Intervention’s” (RRI) supportive schemes in the region. Through it, the commission has boldly deployed its relief weapons in agriculture, resolving the challenge of massive hunger and starvation in states of the Northeast ravaged by Boko Haram terrorism.

Therefore, its “Integrated Agriculture Programme,’ (IAP) supplies agricultural machinery or equipment, agrochemicals, fertilizers, seeds and extension service logistics vehicles to boost all categories of agricultural activities. And from every indication, soonest, the Northeast would overcome the problem of hunger/starvation caused by insurgency through investments in the farming skills of individual families at the expense of the commission’s funds.

The entire world has become digital and its one of the empowerments of humanity opposed by the ideology of Boko Haram. To splash mud on the faces of insurgents and their sponsors, NEDC has introduced and upgraded training and updating of Information Communication Technology (ICT) talents of young Nigerian Northeasterners to explore the globe.

NEDC is also actively assisting the Nigerian military in its operations with operational vehicles and logistics. The commission has also keyed into the De-radicalization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration (DRR) Programme of the Nigerian Military tagged “Operation Safe Corridor” (OSC) domiciled at Malam-Sidi, in Gombe State.

With this surfeit of accomplishments, TheLeaderNG’s boss Mr. Basah exclaimed in utter amazement, the continuously resonated glories of the NEDC thus; “This award puts the NEDC on a pedestal as a model for other public institutions to emulate in building a new Nigeria of our dreams with a diversified economic base away from the overdependence….”

No doubt and even to the blind, the NEDC has been able to enthrone good governance in line with its mandate, by radiantly invading the humanitarian segment of crises in Nigeria’s public domain. The NEDC truly deserves this converted and highly priced award from TheLeaderNG. #


Wisdom Okoh wrote this piece from
Abuja.

The NYSC and NCDC Collaboration - a Partnership Inspired By the Covid-19 Pandemic

Beyond being mandatory for the advancement of career prospects after graduation from university, completing the national youth service is a thing of pride for many Nigerian graduates. The process is so important that some Nigerians who complete their undergraduate studies in other countries return home to participate in it. Failing to complete the national service, executed by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), often means that young people are unable to secure certain jobs, or further their education or careers in the country. However, like many sectors of the economy, COVID-19 threatened this exercise.

The National Youth Service starts with a three-week orientation in camps located across all 36 Nigerian States and the FCT. Following this, corps members are deployed to both public- and private- sector organisations to work for another 11 months. When COVID-19 broke out, the exercise could not take place due to restrictions on movement and fear of the health risks to corps members. Christian Chiedozie experienced first-hand the impact of the camp closure, as his deployment was delayed for three months following his graduation from university.

Safety first

As the COVID-19 outbreak continued to spread across the country in 2020, orientation camps were forced to close as a proactive measure to ensure "safety first" said Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, Director General of the NYSC, in a TV interview. The phased reopening of the economy, months later, provided an opportunity to start a conversation around resuming orientation camps, said Dr Oyeladun Okunromade, Deputy Director, Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC). The NYSC leadership then approached the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 (now the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19) to put strategies in place for the resumption of their activities. Dr Okunromade was asked to lead the process.

She said that first on the agenda of the committee which comprised mostly of NYSC and NCDC staff was to "look at strategies that will ensure the safety of corps members when they are in camp to ensure that we keep building trust of the entire country, especially their guardians."

The team carried out a readiness and needs assessment, using a checklist, in all 37 camps in the country to ensure they were prepared to host corps members. As some of the camps were used as temporary isolation centres, it was important to ensure they were fit for the purpose of hosting orientation exercises. Once completed, they provided a checklist of things the camps must put in place before they could reopen.

Working with existing response infrastructure set up by the NCDC helped the process. The Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) working with state epidemiologists and the Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System (SORMAS) were leveraged to monitor and report activities of public health importance in the camps.

They also divided the graduates into streams to ensure no more than 800 were mobilised to be in camps at once. This is in contrast to the usual 10,000 to 20,000 before the pandemic. To further control the crowd, they were also assigned specific days to report to camp.

Technology played a key role in managing the process. Before accessing and printing their call up letters, the intending corps members were required to read NYSC guidelines developed by the NCDC and then acknowledge their willingness to adhere to them and other infection, prevention and control (IPC) guidelines, including being tested for COVID-19, before being admitted to the camps. After which they visited the SORMAS page to provide their travel history, medical history and now, their COVID-19 vaccination status. A unique code was then generated which they printed and presented at the gate, along with their call up letters.

Before being accepted into the camp, they were screened for COVID-19 using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT). Upon receiving a negative test result, corps members were able to proceed with registration while the surveillance team conducted a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test to confirm positive cases.

Dr. Okunromade said this coincided with the World Health Organisation's approval of emergency use of antigen based RDTs. So, they leveraged the opportunity to validate the test kits and subsequently developed the NCDC guideline for RDT use in congregate settings.

With Zoom meetings and virtual events already popular because of lockdowns, corps members joined webinars where they interacted with officials of NYSC and NCDC to have their questions addressed.

Did it work?

Onyinye Oranezi is a corps member working with a non-profit for her service year. Her orientation was in May 2021 and while at camp, she said she was confident that the strategies put in place were enough to protect her and others. For her, the experience was worthwhile, and she was glad COVID-19 didn't lead to continued suspension of the exercise. Chiedozie also completed his orientation and is now working at his place of primary assignment.

As of March 2021, when the project team from NYSC and NCDC met to review their efforts, three streams of corps members totaling over 98,000 had passed through the orientation camps. All of them got screened for COVID-19. To make the process easier, NCDC trained 15 corps members in each state to support the laboratory team.

The ability to collaborate with the right people is one reason why these efforts have achieved the desired results. According to Dr. Okunromade, "You can have fantastic ideas and plans, but if you don't have the cooperation of the people that are supposed to drive it, there is little you can achieve." For example, corps members were barely signing up for the pre-camp webinars. Working with the NYSC team, they came up with a strategy of tying participation to accessing call up letters. Registration jumped from 1000 to over 40,000 at the last webinar with over 3000 attending via Zoom, maxing out their meeting room capacity. The rest, over 9000, joined via Youtube.

Learning, adapting, and sustaining gains

The SORMAS structure is now maintained as a public health strategy to capture potential disease outbreaks in camps. Corps members are trained to support data capture and transmission to the server which is accessed at the NCDC headquarters. There are also IPC vanguards who have the mandate to ensure compliance to non-pharmaceutical prevention guidelines among fellow corps members in camp.

The community development service initiative, where corps members belong to groups with different focus areas now has risk communication and IPC clubs. This way, the NYSC can contribute to the national public health and infectious disease response structure of the country, said Okunromade. Before taking risk communication messages to their host communities across the country, they started in camp after their inauguration to disseminate COVID-19 related information using the public address systems.

These efforts don't come without their fair share of challenges. The corps members trained to support the laboratory are not used in subsequent batches. This results in multiple training and resource waste. The waste generated from some of the testing exercises is not properly disposed of in some of the camps and this can lead to infections, annulling some of the gains made with IPC strategies.

"But these challenges also present opportunities," said Brigadier Ibrahim. There's no entity that doesn't have challenges. What's important is turning these challenges to opportunities.

So, beyond the official mandate of the service scheme, which is fostering unity and national integration, these lessons have revealed that the NYSC scheme can contribute to the country's public health architecture by leveraging on the distribution of corps members of different disciplines and abilities across the country. It's important not to waste this opportunity. Rather, further investment must be made to improve on and expand it, because quick detection and reporting of events of public health concern can make a world of difference in a country's response to and managing of disease outbreaks.

Nigeria Health Watch

.....By Adebayo Adedeji

The activities commemorating the Creation Day of Osun State climaxed last Wednesday with a state banquet and award ceremony for distinguished citizens and friends of the state whose " phenomenal contributions in the various fields of endeavour, " in the expression of Dr Charles Akinola, Governor Oyetola's Chief of Staff, "have made Osun of our founding father's dream."

28 persons received awards in various categories. The honourees included the first military administrator of the state, Leo Ajiborisa; the first civilian Governor of the state in this Republic Chief Bisi Akande, his successor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and former health minister, Professor Isaac Adewole. The first civilian governor of the state, late Isiaka Adeleke, was singled out for recognition with a one-minute silence in his honour.

One of the high points of the event was when Oyetola decorated all the former military administrators of the state; while Prince Oyinlola took turn to decorate him in equal breath.

This year's anniversary is an auspicious and a defining moment to celebrate the resilience of the people of the state, broadcast the storied events of recent past and catalogue milestones recorded so far.

As part of the celebration, on September 9, an anniversary colloquium fielding high-profile resource persons was held in Osogbo, the state capital. In attendance were the former state Governor, Chief Bisi Akande; Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar; former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, Babajide Kolade-otitoju, among others.

Each of the speakers took turn to discuss the developmental strides in the state and proffer suggestions for attaining greater heights.

The occasion was also a moment to salute the exemplary leadership provided by Governor Gboyega Oyetola which advented at a time finance of the state was lying prostrate on the account of reduced federal allocation occasioned by deductions on debt owed by previous governments.

According to the Sultan of Sokoto, Governor Oyetola, whom he claimed he had followed closely since his assumption of office, was a deep thinker and a silent reformer and performer, who came into government with Development Agenda hinged on adequate, quality and equitable service in all sectors. In his words, " Governor Oyetola has also introduced people-oriented policies based on inclusive governance and sustainable development."

Similarly in the opinion of the ace journalist and awarding winning commentator, Babajide Kolade-otitoju, Oyetola, nothwithstanding the little resources had done the unthinkable by building inner city roads and bridging the infrastructural deficit in the state. " Some of us, " Kolade-otitoju addressing the governor, "didn't expect what you have done. We thought it would be more difficult."

On the sideline of the colloquium, Reuben Abati, who said he reluctantly participated in a physical tour of projects done by the Oyetola led government, noted that he saw in Osun State, an unusual level of commitment to infrastructure development . According to Abati, "From Alekuwodo in Osogbo, to the Olaiya flyover Bridge at the centre of the town (which the Governor said was prompted by an accident scene that he witnessed and on the spot decided to address the problem), to the newly rehabilitated Osogbo- Kelebe-Iragbiji road, Ada to Igbajo, Ikirun to Eko Ende and other roads in the state, the Oyetola touch was evident. We visited the Osogbo General Hospital, now being reinvented and expanded."

Abati also acknowledged the effort of the governor in the area of mining. He made a reference to a Memorandum of Understanding between the present administration in the state and a company called Badger Mines which was signed in 2019. Abati reported that the physical inspection took him to Badger Mines in Osu where the company is working on 73 exploration belts where gold between 200-300 metres have been found. According to Abati, the company's CEO and his officials, during the tour of the mine, took the excursionists through the gold refining process where high grade technology was deployed and a 25kg good bar worth about 120,000 dollars was produced in their presence.

Abati announced he experienced, first hand, the genuine love the people of the state had for their Governor. Matter-of-factly, no one would do as much as what the Governor has done in the last three years and would not be soundly loved by the people. Since his inauguration 33 months ago, Oyetola has defrayed N67 billion from the almost N200 billion debt left behind for him by his predecessor. The N67 billion repayment is what would have been injected into the economy of the state. Nonetheless, he continues to chart a new, prosperous course for the state hitherto known with a pejorative description of a civil service state. The government has also devoted over N150 billion to resolve pension and salary obligations without giving room for policy redundancy. The government spending which used to be hugely tilted towards personnel payment is now inclined towards capital project and social programme financing. The salutory commitment of the governor to the well-being of the people is one of the reasons the enamoured disposition is always freely given to him. This is the mood the celebrated ideologue, Abati, captured in his write-up.

In the same vein, the Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian newspaper, Martins Oloja, devoted his Sunday's Inside Stuff column of September 26, 2021 to chronicle the mining revolution going on in Osun State . In his opinion entitled " Oyetola: A Governor to Copy on Federalism" went memory lane on how mining project began in the state. Oloja enthused, ". . . . there are more to learn from Governor Oyetola who is immersed in the power of his silence. He has laid a very solid foundation for ‘fiscal federalism’ that has been a recent bone of contention between Rivers State and the Federal Government. The state has built upon a solid economic foundation laid by a former Governor of the State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

As it has been reported, in 2006, former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola got the very poor Osun State to register a solid minerals exploration and mining company named Livingspring Minerals Promotion Company Limited. With that company, the state bid for, won, paid and got ten solid minerals exploration licences and seven mining licences from the Federal Government. Seven of the exploration licences are for Gold fields in Osun and in two far northern states; two of the licences are for Lead and Zinc exploration in identified fields in Eastern Nigeria and in a north central state. The tenth exploration licence is for Feldspar and Quartz, Marble and Granite Gneiss exploration in a north central state covering an area of 200 square kilometers. Three of the mining licences are for Gold mining in Osun State while the remaining four are for Feldspar and Quartz in the north – all covering 233 square kilometers.

It is on this critical infrastructure that Governor Oyetola is building solid superstructure for fiscal federalism.

. . . the Oyetola government has assembled a revival dream for the Osun Gold mines while most of his colleagues are beating drums of war over federalism. Specifically, the state-owned company, in partnership with an investor, has established what we can rightly tag as Nigeria’s first gold refinery.

I was one of those who saw the multi-billion naira gold refinery recently. And the solid minerals sector and other stakeholders including governors most of whom have mineral resources in their states have many reasons to borrow from the brilliance that has emerged in Osun State. The local refinery company has assembled very skilled and educated miners from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Germany. The German team leader has two doctorate degrees in mining relevant disciplines.

So, instead of lamenting, the Osun State Governor is determined to change the Osun Narrative through diversification efforts in four key sectors: Agriculture, Culture and Tourism, and Mining (ATM).
The administration set out seven project streams in Osun Minerals Development Plan. In two years, the results are showing:
Commercialisation of the assets: the administration has executed agreements with Badger Mines & Pan Arabian Mines. Both firms have almost concluded their exploration campaign and will declare the commercial valuation soon.

The Oyetola administration has delivered the first Gold Refinery in Nigeria- to be commissioned soon. It’s to be christened Omoluabi - Badger Commercial Buying and Refining Centre (CBRC), Osu .

Besides, the government has concluded the resource valuation of its assets in Kogi state. This was carried out by the minerals valuation group of South Africa and partners from the UAE will set up a world class mine and quarry for Osun’s asset in Kogi anytime soon. The administration has also set up Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) to regulate mining activities in the state.

For security of the assets, Osun state has set up a JTF to handle the security in the resource-rich areas. It has also set up an RFID enabled database and has captured over 13,000 miners awaiting the finalisation of the partnership with the PAGMI - presidential artisanal gold mining initiative.

Accordingly, this initiative will encourage the local miners and buy off whatever they (local miners) produce locally. This is a sure source of employment. This is how ‘federalism’ can work for the common good. "

If the foregoing, a seeming testimonial on a governor working silently and assiduously to archive his name in the Hall of Fame, is a tacit endorsement of Governor Oyetola's commitment to sustainable economy of the state which deserves support of every citizen of the state, Abati's explainer is an open backing for Oyetola's re-election. He didn't hide his admiration for the governor well positioned to take the people from economic abyss; same way Dr Festus Adedayo, a popular polemist, in his syndicated opinion piece " My Osun State Story," declared his soft spot for the incumbent. Abati remarked that during his trip to Osu, which he undertook alongside Oyetola, everywhere they went, the Governor was received by crowds chanting "Leekan si, 4 plus 4." He, however, admonished Oyetola, whom he described as a "man of few words and quiet mien" and who seemed to be more interested in development, job creation, making sure salaries were paid, to put up a serious fight to achieve his re-election bid because there is no way one would build a gold refinery and not expect his political adversaries not to court the venture. To him, " . . . the moment Osun State begins to talk about its gold refinery, its future elections could become war by another name. Everyone would struggle to lay their hands on the gold." He wanted Governor Oyetola to finish the good work he started.

Abati's submission is no different from the agreed opinion of many citizens of the state who affirm Oyetola has performed creditably and thus deserves a re-election in grandstyle. One good turn, they say, deserves another.

Group demands immediate arrest and prosecution of Sokoto Commissioner, Garba Moyi.



Sokoto Coalition of Civil Society Groups has demanded for an immediate arrest and prosecution of the State Commissioner for Careers and Security Matters, Colonel Garba Moyi (rtd), over alleged links to bandits who have been terrorising various parts of the state, in the past few months.

Recall that angry Youth in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State have on Tuesday, razed down the residence of the Commissioner over alleged complicity with criminals terrorizing the area.

Before the Tuesday's protests , Col. Moyi has been found severally defending the activities of criminal gangs in the area and has prevented every attempt by the people of the community, to protect themselves against the invading bandits.

In a statement by the Coalition, signed by the Coordinator Comrade Abubakar Mohammed Maraye the groups said the fundamental rights of the people, to freedom and protection can longer be guaranteed at a time that public officials who are saddled with the responsibility of protecting the people have now become accomplices and collaborators, with the gangs that are tormenting the innocent people of Sokoto State.

While demanding for an immediate sack and prosecution of the indicted commissioner and others who have been known to be sponsors of the bandits and other criminal gangs in the state, the group said it will not hesitate to protest against any attempt by the Sokoto State government or any authority to shield those who have become tools for the criminals who are making life unbearable for the people of the state.

"Let it be known to the people of Isa Local government and our citizens across Sokoto State, that we will stand by them and we will no longer fold our arms and allow people who are paid by tax payers money to protect to now become their enemies by conspiring with criminal elements, to continually make life unbearable for our people. This we say, enough is enough," the statement concluded.

2023: Pro-Tinubu Groups Join Forces with TSG To Harness Support For Tinubu's Presidential Ambition

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Movement (BAT), a support group of the National leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed has collapsed it's structure to join Tinubu Support Group (TSG) in order to ensure the realisation of the former Lagos state governor 2023 presidential ambition.

The National Coordinator, Ambassador Aliyu Lawal Saulawa, on Sunday in Abuja, said the organisation decided to join forces with TSG in the interest of Nigerians and youths in particular.

He spoke when him and the group National Secretary led some members of his organisation on a courtesy visit to Tinubu Support Group campaign office in Abuja.

Saulawa said that BAT Movement which was birthed as a support group for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, resolved to collapse it's structure and join forces with Tinubu Support Group in order to work for the total actualisation of Tinubu's Presidential ambition.

“We are in support of Asiwaju's political ideology which has made us to trust and want to work for him as we have mobilisers across the federation who serve as our foot soldiers.

“ It is obvious that elections are actually won at the grassroots, and that is our strength, from where we are going to start working, ” he said.

Mohammed, however, noted that the former Lagos state governor has done well to be trusted to lead Nigeria to a greater height.

He stressed that his organisation would be ready and willing to work and carry out any responsibility that may be assigned to it, in the propagation of Asiwaju's political ambition

Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, Member representing Ikeja Federal constituency who received the group, said Asiwaju Bola Tinubu had done so well in the development of Lagos state.

He added that Asiwaju had to a large extent, invested in people without minding their origin.

“It is now our responsibility to give him the required support by electing him as the President of Nigeria in 2023, so that he will continue the good work God has assigned him to do.

“Asiwaju's ambition should be a collective effort irrespective of our political affiliations, tribe and standings in the society so that he can continue to reflect Lagos achievement on Nigeria generally,“ he said.

He commended the National Coordinator of the BAT Movement for seeing reasons why his group should join forces with Tinubu Support Group towards the realisation of Tinubu's presidential ambition.

Tosin Adeyanju
Director, Media and Publicity
26th September 2021

FACE THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR FRAUD CASE AND LEAVE YARI ALONE, A REJOINDER TO SANI SHINKAFI.


It's a normal tradition for the thieves and the fraudsters that, when ever they were captured in the act of stealing or defrauding people. They resort to blame games on a plan to distract people from the mean topic of discussion. That's the case study for Sani Shinkafi fraud case.

As we all know, Sani Shinkafi (Wamban Shinkafi), who is currently under arrest and detention at Sokoto EFCC office for defrauding over 60 people to the tune of 1 billion naira begins another series of illogical verbal mastubation on the person of the incoming APC National Chairman His Excellency Abdulaziz Yari, just as more shocking revelations have continued to emerge on reasons for Sani Shinkafi arrest.

Sani Shinkafi who for now attained almost five good consecutive days in the EFCC net under investigation was said to have been collapsed today pretending to be unhealthy during investigation, just when he was presented with a full documented evidences showing how he engaged in direct tranfer of huge sum of money from his so-called fraud investment account to individual accounts, including the account of his wife.

Information also gathered from top sources during the house check of Sani Shinkafi that an unlicensed gun was found. What this means is that Shinkafi with skeletons in his cupboards will also answer some questions out of the fraud case.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has overwhelming evidences on most of the served allegations against Sani Shinkafi, most especially on fraud connected cases and the embattled Sani Shinkafi, may not return to home soon, as plans by the EFCC are said to be afoot to get him to the court when he would be open to full-blown criminal fraud trial.

As things stand now, Abdul'aziz Yari has nothing to do with Shinkafi's fraud case at the EFCC. Infact, Yari is even out of the country for other relevant important issues. What Yari would gain for join issues with a fraudsters? Why should Yari intervene in a case he knew nothing about ?

As a man of faith, nationalist, patriotic, sagacious politician, law abiding and humane, Yari will never do that to his worst enemy, talkless of a mere unserious fraudsters Sani Shinkafi.


The raised of alarm by Sani Shinkafi over alleged use of his case at the EFCC to hound and harass him to cow or weaken his voice by Yari is another serial lies and mere guilty conscious from Sani Shinkafi just to distract EFCC from its investigation.

Sani Shinkafi who served as a media propagandist and attacking the personality of Abdulaziz Yari on daily basis for decade is today afraid of the media propaganda and intimidation, when he already has a case to answer.

Again, Yari has never been planning any evil against the so-called Sani Shinkafi, as he don't have a single minute to waste within his busy schedules for some faceless and disgraced politician like Sani Shinkafi, but may be God Almighty decided to punish Sani Shinkafi that way before he would send to jail by the EFCC for fraud.

Lastly, it's always the same story from shameless Sani Shinkafi that he had from reliable source that Yari is planning some thing against him. Infact, which reliable source Sani Shinkafi is talking about ? Who else has time for a fraudster like him ? Which intervention is he seeking from Governor Bello Matawalle ? Does Bello Matawalle has any relationship with the fraud case ? Is Bello Matawalle in charge of EFCC ? It's better for Sani Shinkafi to focuses on the upcoming consequences of his fraud action and leave Yari alone. Period !!!

Concerned Citizens of Zamfara

Dr Kayode Ajulo, a legal practitioner, has described Mr Femi Fani – Kayode’s (FFK) admission into the APC as a ‘symbolic presidential amnesty’, considering his past attacks on President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ajulo said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, against the backdrop of FFK’s recent defection to the APC.

He said the APC was magnanimous to have received FFK, irrespective of the fact that some persons including some party members might not be happy with the development.
” FFK’ past attacks on President Buhari and the APC had unwittingly influenced passions in some quarters, for armed and unarmed agitations against the President and the Nigerian state.”

He recalled that FFK had suggested on different occasions with his tweets, that the APC government was filled with terrorists.

Ajulo, however, said that the commendable magnanimity of President Buhari to FFK should be extended to various agitators across the country as a basis for amnesty.

According to him, amnesty in this context is not to be viewed from the strict standpoint of legal knowledge, rather the ordinary meaning is desirable.
“For our immediate purpose therefore, amnesty means forgiveness, cessation of remembrance of wrong, leniency and mercy,” he said.

He stated that it might not be wrong to state that the symbolic ‘amnesty’ granted to FFK by the President and the APC almost came on a platter of gold.
“The symbolism by the President signposts the fact that the vilest of ‘sinner’ in his lucid moment of thorough reflections, can be granted safe passage toward the “mercy seat,” he said.
Ajuoo admitted that FFK is misunderstood man and a controversial personality.
According to him, haven been given the benefit of ‘eating his cake and having it, the same level of understanding, leniency and mercy should be extended to his allies.
He said some of the agitations by secessionists had not gone without the open endorsement and support of FFK.
He advised FFK to totally divest himself of his divisive un-nationalistic past.

Ahead of the 2023 presidential election, a pro-Tinubu group under the aegis of Tinubu Support Group, Asiwaju Women Cooperative Society (AWCS) was on Saturday inaugurated across the six geo-political zone of the federation with the aim of creating food bank across all the Local government of the federation.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, the Convener and Coordinator of Asiwaju Women Cooperative Society, Toyin Badmus, said the group stands for improving the welfare of women through Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Mandate.

She pointed out that the group is rooting for the the National leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that with the inauguration, the group will begin to enlighten and give voter education to women across the nooks and crannies of the country to mobilize and galvanise support for the Asiwaju 2023 project.

“Our mission is to be able to set up a food bank in each of the 774 local government areas of the country so that the poorest of the poor can have access to food.

“Our cooperative will ensure that women will be able to borrow money and pay as low as one per cent interest rate, which is for administrative charges. This will go a long way,’’ she said.

Badmus stated that if Tinubu declined to contest the presidential election, “we the women will insist that he must run.”

Responding, Member representing Ikeja Federal constituency and one of the promoters of Tinubu's presidential ambition, Hon. Abiodun James Faleke, commended AWCS for persuading Tinubu to contest the presidential election, and expressed excitement at their support saying women should not be ignored at elections because they constituted a great number of voters.

“We must all register in our various wards as card carrying members of our party; that is the only thing you can do to make Asiwaju the president of Nigeria,’’

He noted that Tinubu remained the only person that could pilot the affairs of the country, adding that his achievement as Lagos State governor was a testament.

“You can be sure that if Tinubu did great in Lagos State as governor and leader, he will do more for the country".

Faleke said the message of the group would be communicated to Tinubu and his support could be guaranteed.

He said other presidential hopefuls were qualified, but that Tinubu was more qualified.

“He has the support base in every state. He has legacies. He has made leaders. If he is not available, you think he is available.

“That is the man we want. He does not care whether you are a Muslim or Christian; he doesn’t care whether you are rich or poor.

“His door is open to all. So what we can do is to honour him and ensure that he succeeds and becomes Nigeria president,’’ Faleke also said.

19th September 2021

Ethnic Nationalities Demand Immediate Sack and Prosecution of CBN Governor, Emefiele.


Disturbed by the deteriorating economic situation in the country, mostly occasioned by the now dangerously misguided policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and most pathetically an unprecedented fall of our currency, the Naira in the foreign exchange market, the joint Committee of the Arewa Youth Assembly and the Yoruba Youth Assembly is demanding for an immediate sack, investigation and prosecution of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele.



This call is coming again, as we can no longer fold our arms and allow the incompetent management of the Central Bank, led by Mr Godwin Emefiele, to completely cripple the nation's economy, foreign investment and ultimately send our people to untimely graves, as a result of the hardship, that Nigerians now face, due to the gross incompetence of Mr Emefiele.

It is on record, that despite the gross mismanagement of the CBN and its economic policies, the administration of Mr Emefiele has also become notorious, for numerous corrupt practices, which time now demand, for the proper investigation, of Mr Emefiele and his accomplices, including the purported loss of the over N500b, stolen from the Central Bank of Nigeria towards the end of 2018 in a private Dubai investment that went sour.

It is also on record that Mr Emefiele has become known for his excesses to decide and act on financial matters without recourse to due process, thereby arbitrarily embarking on financial policies, programmes and activities which are often time not in line with the aspiration of Nigerians and programs of the Federal Government.

At this juncture, we are asking President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately sack Mr Godwin Emefiele as the CBN Governor, while ordering an immediate investigation into his tenure, as the head of Nigeria's Central Bank.

Our country cannot continue to be led by characters like Mr Emefiele who are insensitive to the plight of the suffering masses and are busy corruptly enriching themselves and their cronies, while also covering up their perfidious tracks, using their privilege positions.

We also want to challenge the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offenses Commission ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, to save Nigerians, from the economic saboteurs led by Mr Emefiele, before it is too late.

Therefore, we call for the immediate resignation and arrest of Mr Godwin Emefiele.

Onward together.



In Solidarity.



Salihu Mohammed

Speaker Arewa Youth Assembly



Oluwatobi Johnson,

Speaker, Yoruba Youth Assembly.

The Yoruba Youth Democratic Alliance YYDA, has denied the endorsement of the presidential bid of the Kogi State Governor, Mr Yahaya Bello or any aspirant for the 2023 presidential election.

This is coming on the heels of a Southwest Youth Conference held on Wednesday in Lagos, by a Group called GYB2PYB, which claimed to be routing for the candidature of Governor Bello, come 2023. The Yoruba group in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Olutobi Johnson, said the events which the organisers, claimed had Representatives of youth from across the southwest states, was nothing by an event organised by the Kogi State government, which it said brought people in from Kogi State in convoy of vehicles led by the Chief of Staff to the Kogi State Governor, Mr Abdulkarim Asuku.

The YYDA, which is a alliance of several Yoruba Youth groups said reports from the event, showed that no notable organization or individual Yoruba Youth leader or political leader, participated at the event. This, the group says, was responsible for the shoddy manner in which the event was organised with very poor attendance and absence of the funfair that such a program should naturally have attracted. But it lacked the authenticity of Southwest Youth's endorsement and participation.

"More so, it is a Known fact that Ibadan is the political headquarters of the southwest region and if any political event as such, claimed to have been organised by these Kogi politicians in Lagos were to be held, such should have taken place in Ibadan, except when decided otherwise, by stakeholders. We also wish to remind those who are trying to merchandise our race, to understand, that Yoruba people are too sophisticated and we cannot be railroaded into a political agenda, that we are not part of."

The group further said what is paramount to Yoruba people at present, is the need to rescue Nigeria from the current state of Insecurity, economic instability and other national challenges, and not who becomes the President of Nigeria come 2023.

The group strongly condemned "the attempt to launder the event by falsely claiming that Southwest youths were part of such a woefully organised event. We can't be blackmailed in this manner and keep quiet about it especially as the event was a non-event. If any Yoruba Youth group was involved, it couldn't have been so badly organised", the group stated.

Strong leadership is not about age ,for example General Yakubu Gowon was age 29yrs old, when he became Nigeria Military Head of State , he command absolute power ,whereas ,he doesn't need to lobby any power brokers or senators or legislators ,but in his statement ; " Nigeria problem is not how to make money, but how to spend it"
He was actually right,because money was available in abundance, but he doesn't possesses the requisite leadership skills or qualities then ,like vision or indepth thoughts for leadership ,because most young people according to management theories, tend to begin organizational leadership role from passivity to activity, or erratic / shallow thinking to active thinking....This is why Management had to ensure a new employee undergo a critical organizational process of :
1 . Orientations
2. On the job training...without this critical process ,the employee will be an awaiting catastrophic to organization interest, and which will largely affect his performance or make him underperforming or unproductive.

When you relate this to Nigeria leadership spectrum, you will know why General Yakubu Gowon failed to laid industrialization foundation for this nation ,when 1 naira was equal to £1 pound .
And the reason several young Executive office holders from Local Government Chairmen ,to State Houses of Assemblies ,House of Reps, Senators & Governors failed us or are failing us...
According to IBB , the youths need to be train's ,mentoring and coaching before they are handed political leadership responsibility because of the its slippery notion .
This statement, was further accentuated with his recent projection for the Next Nigeria President 2023, that he must be within the age of sixties and above ...in simplifying this assertions; globally,most great nations ,developed or industrialized countries you seen all over the world today, were built or developed by strong leaders with good characters, as well as with great foresight; all were within the age of 60's and above .

Aside of positive energy that the "Youths Possesses, and revolutionary ability to inject new idea into formal organizations, there's nothing much the youth can offer when it's come to strong leadership in a multidimensional and socioeconomic political spheres or approaches .

In conclusion, if youth political leadership is the yardstick for this nation development and industrialization , General Yakubu Gowon would have done it, this is because if you talk about integrity in Nigeria political leadership, he's second to none ,he's neither a thief nor a corrupt man .
I bet you that if Rtd. General Yakubu Gowon have same opportunity presented to him today, he would have done better, because of his wealth of experience over the years .

In views of the above and having seen how Tinubu with his distinctive, and sterling abilities cum foresight in identifying youths with positive energy with requisites leadership potential and capabilities with strong character; and having mentored them to full maturing, and today they are all doing very well in every leadership positions or strata you found them, whereas this Tinubu was able to accomplished l this while serving as Lagos State Governor ,if such man is giving Nigeria to govern ,he will solve our leadership problem and by extension Africa ... He will then bequeath the youth a great nation ,like what we're seeing in Lagos ,from Tinubu to Fashola to Ambode & now Babajide Sanwolu ...a benchmark for strong and performing leadership has been laid there .
Eg. Eko Atlantic will soon serve as Nigeria Dubai to every Nigerians, and the world at large .

2023 For The Future Of Nigeria; Think Tinubu .

So, let stop this madness , and shallow/erratic thinking of Nigeria Youth President 2023.

- Hon Nda Aaron ,a former Special Adviser- 2019
And
Former SSA on Mobilization to Governor Yahaya Bello 2017-2019 writes from Lokoja,the Kogi State capital.

NYSC DIRECTOR GENERAL IMPRESSED AS CORPS MEMBER COMMISSIONS A DIGITALIZED LIBRARY .

The NYSC Director General Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim has expressed his joy and pride when a corps Member, Ahmad Abubakar had his CDS project,an automated and Computerized library at the NYSC Directorate Headquarters Abuja commissioned.

The visibly elated Director General who led members of top Management of the scheme to the event commended the foresight ,determination and resourcefulness of the initiator culminating in the actualization of the landmark project .

While congratulating Ahmad Abubakar for this worthy contribution ,Brig Gen Ibrahim urged other corps members to emulate the laudable efforts of Ahmad Abubakar; who despite all odds succeeded in impacting on his immediate environment in the most positive way.

The Director General enjoined corps members to "add value to the Scheme" by initiating essential and useful Community Development Projects (CDS) based on felt needs of the host community.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Director Planning,Research and Statistics (PRS), Alhaji Ahmed Wada Ikaka, described corps member Ahmad Abubakar as hardworking and diligent young man with a brilliant mindset which endeared him to all.

Speaking on the motivation behind the sponsorship of Ahmad's project, the Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr Olusegun Awolowo who was represented by the Director Export Development and Incentives, Mal. Lawal Dalhat; said the Council had no regret co- sponsoring Ahmad's CDS Project due to the laudable idea presented by the young corps member.

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Alhaji Garba Abubakar who was represented by the Director Public Affairs, Mr Duke Edward Ukaga; said the Commission recognized the intelligence and the zeal to be productive in Ahmad Abubakar. These qualities informed the decision to equally co- sponsor the impressive project embarked upon by the corps member.

Directors and members of NYSC top Management, The project featured ;a)The procurement and installation of computers/ workstations.b)Procurement of scanners and printers and furniture.c)
provision of e-Library portal with server
and digitized selected NYSC old and new publication.d)Provision of network facilities as well as
training of 13 NYSC NDHQ Staff.

Almost two decades have passed since the end of his tenure as Lagos State Governor, yet his blueprint remains the biggest legacy of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Anyone aged 18 or under will not have witnessed how dejected and confused the state of Lagos is, yet that was the daily reality of a State generally written about in a negative light and frequently satirized. Today, however, the
the face of Lagos has changed as a result of a series of transformations effected by a new style of governance adopted in 1999.

The former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu demonstrates remarkable leadership
qualities, including advocacy against ethnic discrimination, powerful presence that disarmed opposition with his smile,
high level of positive thinking, ability to see the big picture, focus on goals and missions beyond himself, remarkable endurance, grit and determination, humility, hopefulness, and patience.

Well, these and other perspectives, like politics, religion, economics, society, morals and ethics, play a vital role in the process of opinions and thoughts required to become a
a great leader who can change and lead Nigeria to a better future.

The Asiwaju of Lagos and the Jagaban of Borgu's leadership styles, motivate and inspire many men within the corridors of power in Nigeria today.

As it is seen in Asiwaju today, that becoming a great leader is not about making public appearances and memorizing speeches. It is about leaving a mark on the world by displaying important qualities and giving followers a better path in life.

Likewise, Tinubu's qualities and life achievements have indeed changed the heart of many not only in the south west of Nigeria, but also around the world. With his presence, a new and better Lagos was created spreading through entire south west with the breath of progress.

Considering his leadership style, a good vision in life must be for the greater good.

Tinubu's antecedent has transformed ordinary people, events, and actions into the extraordinary today.
This is to say that great leadership consists of the capacity to inspire others to greatness. I use the term ‘inspire’ to mean the ability to bring out the best in the people one is entrusted to work and live with.
No wonder president Muhammadu Buhari affirmed that the former Lagos State Governor inspired many leaders and continues to nurture talents for the benefit of the country.

The secret of Asiwaju as a successful initiator of the most developed state in Nigeria is having good feelers to know where the people’s best interest lies and being able to articulate matching solutions and vision good enough to make things work which is what will provide answers to numerous questions derailing Nigeria's progress.


Arowolo Solomon Alaba
Is a member of Tinubu Support Group

The NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim has rejoiced with a Prospective Corps Member (PCM) Ramatu Yunusa, who gave birth to a baby boy soon after registering as a member of the 2021 Batch 'B' Stream II service corps in Bayelsa State.

Speaking at the Bayelsa State Referral Hospital, Kaiama, about ten-minutes drive from the NYSC Orientation Camp, Ibrahim expressed delight at the safe birth of the baby.

He announced that the Scheme would settle the medical bills incurred by the PCM and her baby.

Briefing the Director-General, the NYSC Bayelsa State Coordinator Mrs. Ojugo Elizabeth said Ramatu was conveyed to the hospital as soon as she started showing signs of labour, adding that she gave birth to her child at 11:45 am on 2nd September, 2021.

Hospital personnel that attended to the PCM, including a Corps Medical Doctor, Mbanusi Chiebonam Clara, confirmed that both mother and baby were in good condition.

Speaking during the visit, Ramatu and her husband, Liman Aliyu Suleiman, both expressed appreciation of the support given to the family by the NYSC Management.

The national President of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Dr Camillus Ukah has constituted and inaugurated a strategic planning committee chaired by Taiwo Akerele, the former chief of staff Edo state and chairman of Abuja chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) to advise, plan and organize the 40 anniversary celebration of the unbrella pen body scheduled to hold from 3rd to 6th November 2021 at the expansive Mamman Vatsa writers village Mpape, Abuja.

An author of two published books and prolific writer of note and commentator on national economic issues, Akerele will be be bringing on board over 20 years of experience in banking, government, academic and research. A world bank trained development economist, Akerele appealed to members of the committee which has a past national president Mallam Abdullahi Denja, Ambassador Lois Adams and othe distinguished Nigerians as members.

The President of Nigeria, His Excellency President Mohammadu Buhari, state governors, ministers, members of the diplomatic Corps and other distinguished guests are expected to grace the occasion and formally commission the multi billion naira national conference center and secretariat of the noble association.

Prof Femi Osofisan a renowned writer and professor emeritus will deliver the conference lecture with participants drawn from across Africa and other parts of the globe. The committee has since commenced duty.

When a huge tree falls in the forest, the loud thud is heard over miles. Nigeria, nay the world, mourns the passage of a huge music maestro.

I vividly recall our days on Lagos Street where you lived a short distance away from us on Iwehen Street. You often came to visit my senior brother, Osaheni Uzamere your childhood friend and contemporary. As I was much younger than you both, I admired your personality and strong character with awe.

From humble beginnings, you grew yourself up to national and international fame. You extolled the highlife music genre and no party ended without the stroming guitar of *Joromi, Guitar Boy, Ekassa 28,* and your many other evergreens. You not only played, you danced and your dance moves were emulated on many dance floors. You invented a double guitar to the amazement of the entire world. You were adept with the flute, electric guitar, saxophone, piano and percussion. Your voice, was sweeter than the nightingale's.

You won for Nigeria, her first Gold Disc Record, with your release of *Joromi* in 1965, among many other firsts you scored. You not only excelled in music, you veered into academics in your adult age, bagging a 1st Class degree in your course of study. You grew to become a Professor. You were an icon. You effortlessly changed many mindsets that ignorantly saw musicians in a negative light, those early days.

You were a great lover of our rich Benin culture. You promoted our rich heritage in your music. You served our ancient Benin Kingdom and our Edo State, with pride and commitment.

You bowed in a blaze of glory. I pray that God gives your soul, a restful repose. May God give your immediate family and Benin kingdom, the fortitude to bear your saddening loss.

Contemporary Benin history reserves space for you, as you live in our hearts and in your works - your everlasting music.


Senator Ehigie Uzamere, ksc.