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ICPC Inaugurates NYSC Anti-Corruption And Transparency Unit
The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) has said its partnership with the NYSC would continue to play a vital part in the re-orientation of youths to imbibe positive virtues of hard work and patriotism.
It said all hands must be on deck to ensure that corruption is eradicated in Nigeria.
ICPC Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye stated this today in Abuja while inaugurating the Anti-Corruption and Transparency (ACTU) Sub-Units of the National Youth Service Corps.
He commended the Corps for its intention to expand its scope of operation in the fight against corruption.
Addressing the newly inductees, the ICPC boss who was represented by Mr Demola Bakare said in order to achieve its mandate, the ACTU must execute its statutory duties which include periodic sensitization of staff against corruption, examination of systems, processes and procedures that are prone to corruption and proffering solutions.
He added that they must develop and review the code of ethics for staff and ensure compliance, monitor budget implementation of the Corps and undertake preliminary investigations on complaints, among others.
“To the newly appointed members, l encourage you to work hard, be above board, be responsible and responsive in the exercise of your functions and avoid any questionable acts given the strategic role you are expected to play in your offices”, he said.
Owasanoye urged NYSC Management not to relent in its support to the ACTU, but go a step further to extend same to the sub-units at the Scheme’s State Secretariats and Area Offices by continuing to provide a conducive environment for them.
He emphasized that ACTU was not established to displace Management, rather the Unit will complement Management’s effort in promoting the core values of the NYSC.
In his address, NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim said the Scheme earned recognition for its efforts at promoting ethics following an Annual Ethics and Compliance Scorecard and ACTU Effectiveness Index conducted by the ICPC in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the last quarter of year 2020.
He stated that the exercise is a system study to ascertain the level of compliance with ethics, statutory and integrity standards by MDAs and ACTU Effectiveness Index.
“At the end of the exercise, the Scheme scored 77.75% to record a substantial compliance level and ranked among the ten best performing MDAs”, the DG said.
Speaking further, Ibrahim whose address was presented by the Director, Human Resource Management, Hajiya Habiba Bappah said today’s inauguration is a follow-up to the induction of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit of the NYSC Headquarters which took place recently where he emphasized the need to replicate the Unit in all NYSC Area Offices and State Seçretariats.
He enjoined the ACTU Sub-Unit members to be above board in complementing the efforts of the main Unit at the National Directorate Headquarters Abuja.
“We will continue to deepen our strides towards enthrenching work ethics of integrity, transparency, accountability and efficiency”, the DG said.
Ibrahim enjoined the inductees to maintain good records of proven integrity, dedication to duty and utilise the knowledge acquired for the effective discharge of their assignment.
“We will rely on you for the promotion of diligence at work, fairness and sincerity, in line with the standard set by the commission”, Ibrahim added.
In his introductory address, the Acting Director, Special Duties, Alhaji Musa Abubakar who was represented by Mr Emmanuel Tapshang said the activities of ACTU has reawakened the consciousness of staff and engendered better attitude to work.
He enjoined the new inductees to effectively guide and supervise the Anti-Corruption Vanguard so as to make their activities more result-oriented while he promised that management would provide the necessary support to enable them succeed.
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Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles
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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