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NYSC @ 50: FG Hails Corps Members On National Development

Published

3 years ago

March 28, 2023

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government has commended the contributions of National Youth Service Corps in diverse areas to the overall development of the country.

It added that the Scheme in almost fifty years of it’s existence has remained a strong tool for socio-economic development and national unity.

The Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare stated this on Tuesday in his address at the Opening Ceremony of the 2023 NYSC Annual Management Conference with the theme; “Optimizing the Operations of NYSC at 50 for National Development”,held in Abuja.
Dare said there is need for reforms in NYSC in order to enhance improved service delivery and also meet the challenges of the 21st century youths as potential entrepreneurs.

The Minister added that Government would continue to preserve the Scheme for its roles in national development and youth empowerment.

Mr Dare, who commended the past Managers of the Scheme for introducing Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme into it’s Orientation Course programme which has produced hundreds of youth entrepreneurs also lauded the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon and other stakeholders across the country for their support towards the actualization of the proposed NYSC Trust Fund.

He tasked the conference participants to “take the NYSC in the direction of another trajectory of progress, digital revolution, supporting and moulding the youths within one year to be better citizens for national development and national unity”.

In his welcome address, the Director General of National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General YD Ahmed said since it’s inception in 1973, the NYSC has remained a reference point for other organisations owing to it’s vital roles in the promotion of national unity and integration, peaceful co-existence among Nigerians of diverse socio-cultural backgrounds and free movement of labour.

Ahmed disclosed that despite its laudable achievements, the Scheme is still battling some operational challenges such as; dilapidated facilities at the Orientation Camps, inadequate Corps Lodges, lack of befitting office accommodation in some states, inadequate operational vehicles among others.

He therefore appealed to critical stakeholders to discharge their statutory responsibilities to the Scheme and also empower a large number of Corps Members with start-up capital for self-reliance after going through the NYSC entrepreneurial trainings.

The DG stated further that the proposed NYSC Trust Fund, when actualized, would make the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme more functional, through the provision of training facilities and start-up capital to finance the businesses of Corps Entrepreneurs.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Alhaji Muhammed Musa Bello commended the various innovations and positive strides made by the Scheme till date.

The Minister, whose address was read by the Mandate Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Hajia Hadiza Mohammed Kabir disclosed that Corps Members posted to the FCT have contributed immensely to the development of schools, hospitals, rural infrastructure, culture and tourism, sports, conduct of elections, population census, job creation among others.

“The Nation surely looks up to the Scheme to continue to provide the required manpower for its accelerated development”, he said.

In her goodwill address, the Chairman, NYSC National Governing Board, Ambassador Fatima Balla Abubakar represented by Alhaji Yusuf Nalado appealed for continued stakeholders’ support for NYSC.

The Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Alhaji Ahmed Wada Ikaka said the conference participants would make useful contributions towards evolving new ideas and best practices that will form a road map that will improve the Scheme’s operations for greater impact.

Participants at the conference were drawn from the 37 NYSC State/FCT Secretariats, Area Offices and other formations of the Scheme across the country.

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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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