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Ondo Gov. Election: NYSC DG Assures On Corps Members’ Neutrality

Published

5 years ago

October 6, 2020

Joel Ajayi

With less than five days to the Ondo State Governorship election the Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim has assured that Corps Members will be neutral in the discharge of their duties during the polls.

In a press release issued by the Director, Press and Public Relations Adenike Adeyemi (Mrs) Ibrahim gave the assurance at the INEC Stakeholders’ Sensitization Meeting held preparatory to the election in Akure, the State capital.

He said the widespread commendations that usually followed performances of the Corps Members in previous exercises such as voter registration and administration of elections had strengthened the Scheme’s resolve to continue to discharge its best for national service.

According to him, we will remain unrelenting in encouraging our youths on National Service to perform election duties with a high sense of responsibility.

“I have addressed Corps Members enlisted as ad hoc personnel and reiterated the need for them to abide by the provisions of the electoral laws while performing their election duties,” he said.

The Director-General, however, appealed to the people of the State, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and politicians to compliment the efforts of the security agencies towards ensuring the peaceful conduct of the election.

“I urge you to help sensitize your followers on the need to protect our Corps Members from any form of violence or molestation before, during, and after the election,” the DG added.

Ibrahim also informed the gathering that NYSC had made a novel contribution to voter education through the production of a movie, “The Return,” which disseminates messages on non-violent conduct during the election.

Also speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Adamu said a total of 33,783 police personnel comprising of 30,933 conventional police and 2,850 special police units would be deployed for election duties, including air surveillance, in the state.

Adamu, who called on political parties not to consider the election as a do-or-die affair, warned that the Police and other Security Agencies would deal with anyone attempting to disrupt the peace in any part of the State.

The Police Chief assured that the Agencies would be neutral during the election.

Earlier in his address, the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu said the Commission was committed to free, fair, and transparent conduct of the election.

He said all the election personnel had been sensitized on the need to be professional and non-partisan in the performance of their duties.

“Our commitment is to ensure that the choice of who becomes the next Governor of Ondo State entirely rests with the voters.

“The commission will not take any action either to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate,” he said.

He disclosed that additional 104 Registration Area Technical Support Staff had been engaged to respond rapidly to issues of card readers on Election Day.

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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles

Published

4 weeks ago

October 10, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.

Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.

What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.

Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022.

In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.

Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”

She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”

The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.

Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”

For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”

Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”

Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.

Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.

Chiamaka expressed Further; “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.

With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.

Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.

“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.

He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.

“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”

Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.

“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”

He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”

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