Featured

Opinion: Calling For Scrapping: Is NYSC Security Agency?

Published

1 year ago

January 21, 2024

The uninterrupted existence of the National Youth Service Corps NYSC is no doubt crucial to the building of a strong, united, prosperous nation where peace, love, and justice reign.

The impact of corps members in community development projects such as Roads, hospitals, boreholes, electricity, market, agriculture, education, communication, healthcare, and technology are far too outstanding to be wasted and sacrificed on the altar of challenges that affect every Nigerian.

The continuous co-existence of people with different religious and ethnic backgrounds today can be traced to the establishment of the scheme 51 years ago.

Indeed, the NYSC has helped restore a sense of pride and identity to other ethnic minorities who hitherto would have been isolated due to a lack of contact with youths from other parts of the country.

Today, many are calling for the scrapping or suspension of the NYSC simply because of insecurity, kidnapping, banditry, religious extremism, ethnic violence; and incessant kidnapping but the question begging for an answer from such a group of individuals is that, Is NYSC security agencies?

Over the years people have been calling for scrap yet to see the light of the day from the government having known the importance of the scheme to the nation building.

The recent group was the Human Rights and Justice Group International calling on the Federal Government to suspend the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)

The group cited the rise of killings occasioned by kidnappings, terrorist attacks, and other criminal activities across the country.

But I think this group has to think about an adage that says, “Cutting off a head is not the cure for headaches, this is exactly the true picture of a Scheme NYSC that has contributed immensely to the unity, cohesion, growth, advancement, and development a nation called Nigeria.

Honestly speaking, those calling for the scrapping of the NYSC, are the real enemy of this nation and probably have not taken stock of the good fortunes NYSC has brought to the nation in the last 51 years of its existence.

Emotions understandably boiled over on the death of Promising youths. While the incidents are unfortunate, decisive action plans are needed to forestall occurrence, but they should not derail a very laudable idea.

Everyone has a role to play in the country, the objective of NYSC when set up by the then Nigerian government during the Military regime was to involve all Nigerian graduates in nation-building and the development of the country a set objective which has been achieved.

For those calling for suspension, the question is, Can we call for the suspension of security agencies? Simply because they can’t protect all the citizens as stipulated in their work description?

Can those who are hostile to the continuation of the NYSC scheme equally call for the scrapping of the nation’s economic sector because many Nigerians are poor?

Insecurity is an extraneous problem that is of global and national dimensions, and a critical challenge confronting the Scheme.

The lofty objectives of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Nigeria, upon inception in 1973, by the military administration of General Yakubu “Jack” Gowon (Rtd), were to help foster integration, reconciliation, and national unity. Those objectives were relevant at the time, given the unique circumstances of the country.

The extreme upheavals of that era precipitated the cataclysmic Nigerian vs. Biafra Civil War (1967-1970), which claimed over a million lives.

The spirit of national healing, reconciliation, and actualizing the prevailing “no victor, no vanquished” cantillation, berthed the NYSC.

From its humble beginning of 2364 Corps Members mobilized at inception, the Scheme at present, mobilizes on average, three hundred and fifty thousand Prospective Corps Members every year for service, thereby making it the biggest youth — mobilization agency in Africa.

As I earlier some challenges need to be addressed and solutions should be the concern of all stakeholders because the scheme in its 51 years of existence has no doubt contributed immeasurably to all sectors in the country and beyond.

In its 51 years of creation, the scheme has remained a catalyst for national development.

Whether will believe it or not, NYSC is vital to Nigeria’s peace, and growth, NYSC is like the raw material of a nation that needs to be nurtured, cherished, preserved, and sustained for more growth and development.

Some of the challenges include insecurity, banditry, incessant kidnapping of innocent Corps Members across the country as well as the inability of some State and Local Governments to discharge their statutory responsibilities to the Scheme, funding, and increased population amongst others.

The invaluable roles played by the NYSC are clear, with a profound impact on every sphere of development including democracy, health, education, infrastructural development, human capital development, manpower, security, environmental and road safety. The list is endless.

Talking about national integration, so many inter-tribal marriages have been contracted over the past 50 years by ex-Corps Members as a result of their exposure to the Scheme, thus, strengthening the bond of unity among Nigerians, and pulling down the obstacles of ethnic suspicions and stereotypes.

Amazingly, Corps Members are found in the remotest parts of the States, where even the natives do not want to work, imparting knowledge, and catering to the healthcare needs of the people.

Many might be seated on the seat of judgment for the one-year compulsory program for university graduates simply because of challenges in the country but it’s obvious that calls for scrapping of NYSC are pointless.

NYSC is a good stopgap for millions of young people in Nigeria who need more nourishment than scrapping.

Today, as bad as many see the Scheme, NYSC is, most fresh graduates’ first actual work experience is usually through NYSC, throwing most people directly into the labor market from our crappy public university education system and we’ll have more employability problems than we have now.

All government and stakeholders need to solve the problems associated with NYSC, bring about more jobs, and create an enabling environment. NYSC is a good stopgap. Don’t throw the baby away with the bathwater.

The National Youth Service Corps stands as a multifaceted investment in Nigeria’s future, offering benefits that permeate the youth’s personal development and the nation’s collective growth. It is a nursery for national unity, a catalyst for professional development, and a cornerstone for community transformation.

Share on Facebook

Featured

Childhood Cancer on the Rise

Published

3 days ago

February 18, 2025

The Gleamer

* Affects 40,000 children aged 0-19 annually* Their journey can be made easier – Survivor* Genetic issues exposure to harmful chemicals play significant roles – Prof Amodu* Increased diagnostic, treatment capabilities a plus for Nigeria – Prof

While cancer is not only debilitating but life threatening, sufferers also have to contend with stigma and emotional distress. However, this becomes more disheartening when children become involved, JULIET IBIMINA writes.

At just eight years old, Adekemi Oyewusi was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma, a disease she and her family had never even heard of.

The next two years of her life were marked by pain, isolation and an uphill battle against a disease that stole her childhood. “I longed to play with my siblings and peers, but my world was confined to the four walls of a hospital, where pain and solitude became my constant companions,” Oyewusi reminisced.

The chemotherapy treatments, administered through her spinal cord, were excruciating, causing nausea, fatigue and the devastating sight of her hair falling out which all left her feeling like a shadow of her former self; but against all odds, she survived.

Now, 25 years later, Oyewusi is not just a survivor, she is an advocate, amplifying the voices of children battling cancer and pushing for equitable healthcare policies, believing that while Nigerian children with cancer demonstrate incredible resilience, their journey could be made easier with more support.

“It is crucial for the government, healthcare providers, philanthropists, NGOs and society at large to recognise and address the unique needs of survivors. Comprehensive insurance plans, increased awareness of late effects, educational support and psychological counseling are all necessary,” she said.

She called for more pediatric oncology centres across the country, greater financial support for affected families and public awareness campaigns to educate communities on early detection.Ike Oyewusi, Shittu Adewumi also had an unsavoury experience, also echoing the struggles of many children fighting cancer in Nigeria.Diagnosed with lymphocytic leukemia at just six years old, his family believed they were witnessing the end of his young life.

“It was harrowing; he suffered immensely and the cost of treatment was unbearable,”his mother, Titilayo Adewumi recounted.”The government should support children fighting cancer because this is not something one family can handle alone; it is a huge financial burden.

“When you visit Federal Government hospitals, you see so many children battling cancer; they need urgent help,” Mrs Adewumi pleaded.According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 400,000 children and adolescents aged zero to 19 years develop cancer globally each year.

The organisation also said that unlike many adult cancers, most childhood cancers have no known cause and are not linked to lifestyle or environmental factors.In Nigeria, the exact prevalence of childhood cancer remains unclear due to poor data collection.

However, the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Cancer Center houses the country’s first Childhood Population-Based Cancer Registry, which has recorded 237 cases in just over a year.Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, the President, Nigeria Cancer Society (NCS) and founder of the registry, warns that childhood cancer is indeed on the rise and needs urgent attention.

“For too long, the focus has been on breast, cervical and prostate cancers, while childhood cancer has been neglected,” he said.Dr Timipah West, a pediatric oncologist at Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, identifies some of the most prevalent childhood cancers in Nigeria to be Lymphomas such as Burkitt’s lymphoma, Neuroblastoma a cancer of the adrenal glands and Nephroblastoma known as kidney cancer.Others are Retinoblastoma (eye cancer affecting the retina), Rhabdomyosarcoma (cancer of the muscle tissue) and acute leukemias (blood cancer affecting white blood cells).West said that while the causes remained largely unknown, potential risk factors of childhood cancer included genetic predispositions, exposure to chemicals, certain infections and environmental changes.

Speaking to reasons why childhood cancer was now on the increase in Nigeria, she said it was due to a lot of factors.She identified an increase in diagnostic capabilities and availability of more treatment facilities and more awareness among the populace about childhood cancers based on increased advocacy as some of the reasons.The oncologist also added that environmental factors including climate change that lead to genetic changes as also a contributing factor.

“The Nigerian Society of Pediatric Oncology (NISPO) working with NCS and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare play huge roles in creating awareness on childhood cancer.

“This advocacy is very important because some people in the general public think that only adults can have cancers.

”She noted that preventive measures could be employed before the cancer develops, listing early detection and commencement of treatment to prevent complications and death.According to her, genetic studies can be done for those at risk of developing certain cancers so they are identified at the very early stages.

She added that those with conditions that predisposes them to certain cancers such as down syndrome and leukaemias should be followed up closely and treatment commenced as soon as possible.

“Also, adequate diet, environmental protection against climate change and chemicals and drug exposure are very important.”The introduction of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination that can prevent future development of cervical cancer is also very important.

“Treatment options available include chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy and immunotherapy. The most commonly available in Nigeria are chemotherapy and surgery.

”West emphasised that childhood cancer was treatable when detected early with available treatment options in Nigeria including chemotherapy, surgery for tumor removal, radiotherapy and immunotherapy which was still emerging.

On his part, Benjamin Amodu, a professor of phytomedicine from the Triune Biblical University, USA, said parents have a great role to play in both prevention and management of childhood cancers.

“You see, because many of these children do not yet know what is actually happening and can’t take care of themselves, the parents must be very observant to detect it early since early detection increases the chances of survival.

“Also, pregnant mothers must be very careful of what they consume, be they medications, hard drugs and even cosmetics, as the exposure to harmful chemicals either as a fetus or early childhood have been found to increase the risk factors for cancer, chronic kidney disease, and other chronic diseases in children.

“Annually, on February 15, the International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) is commemorated as a global campaign to create awareness about childhood cancer and support for the patients, survivors and their families.

Share on Facebook