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FG Builds New Clinic At NYSC Oyo state Orientation Camps

Published

5 years ago

December 8, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government has built and equipped a new ultramodern Medical Centre at the NYSC Oyo State Orientation Camp in Iseyin.

Speaking at the inauguration and formal handover of the clinic to NYSC, the Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital Ibadan, Professor Jesse Otegbayo said the project was conceptualized by the Federal Ministry of Health as part of steps to fulfill President Buhari’s vision of providing adequate health coverage for all Nigerians.

Otegbayo said UCH, through which the project was executed, would continue to supply manpower to the clinic and ensure that all Staff and Corps Members enjoyed good Medicare.

The CMD said since the inception of NYSC in Oyo State, the UCH had been partnering the Scheme on the provision of health services at the Orientation camp.

“As health managers, we will be more committed than before in sending our personnel and we will have direct link with NYSC,” he said.

He used the occasion to commend the Director-General for his mentorship of Nigerian youths.

In his address, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, said the provision of the clinic was a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to the success of NYSC.

He remarked that the facility would go a long way in boosting healthcare services for Corps members, NYSC Staff and the Community.

The Director-General added that given the importance of quality healthcare as one of the key welfare provisions for Corps Members, the Scheme had remained committed to ensuring that Orientation Camp Clinics were of acceptable standard.

“Management has continued to invest in equipping the clinics within the limits of available resources while also reaching out to host Government as well as public-spirited individuals and corporate bodies for support.

“This gesture by the Federal Ministry of Health is not only heartwarming, but should also spur other stakeholders to ACTION in providing similar facilities for other camps,” he said.

Ibrahim reaffirmed the commitment of NYSC to the provision of health services to communities across the country through its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers and the regular outreaches of the Corps Medical teams.

He further stated that the Scheme would intensify collaboration with stakeholders for support in making its health interventions more impactful through the donation of mobile clinics.

The Director-General said Corps Members had been using the platform of NYSC Community Development Service to build, renovate and equip hospitals in communities across the country.

He assured that Management would continue to encourage them to add value to their host communities with impactful projects.

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

Published

3 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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