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Use Orientation Camp Knowledge to Enhance Nigeria’s Growth, NYSC Charges Corpers
Joel Ajayi
The National Youth Service Corps has advised the corps members and camp participants in the just concluded orientation exercise to use the knowledge, experiences acquired and lessons learnt during the three weeks of Orientation Course to contribute their quota to national development and also add value to themselves.
To this end, the scheme also advised them to avoid risky adventures such as unauthorised journeys, night partying and other types of misconduct as they proceed to their place of primary assignments.
NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, who stated this today in a nationwide virtual address to Corps Members and Camp participants also emphasised that there is nothing like two weeks leave for Corps Members after leaving the Orientation Camp.
The DG in particular warned the Corps Members to be security conscious and avoid any act that can put their lives at risk in their respective places of primary assignment and host communities.
“I want to warn you that there is nothing like two weeks leave after Orientation Course. Settle down in your places of primary assignments.
As you leave the camp, you must be security conscious, don’t travel at night and don’t endanger your safety.
Shun cybercrimes, drugs, cultism and don’t let your actions today haunt you tomorrow”, he said.
He advised them to continue with the post-camp training of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme with their trainers in order to be self empowered, instead of seeking for the unavailable salary jobs.
Ibrahim added that the Scheme is advocating with the Federal Government for the establishment of NYSC Trust Fund (NYSCTF) that would make start-up capital available to every Corps Member as they exit service, which would enable them establish their businesses in line with the skills they acquired through SAED.
The DG also informed them that the Scheme had partnered relevant institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Industry (BOI), Access Bank, Unity Bank among others to provide soft loans for Corps Members with good business proposals to establish their vocational businesses.
He advised the Corps Members to study the NYSC Act, NYSC Bye-laws and adhere strictly to the provisions, adding that every infraction would attract appropriate sanction.
The DG urged them to use the Social Media wisely to promote the unity of the country, and not to spread rumour.
Speaking further, he admonished the Corps Members to emulate their predecessors, who during the ourtbreak of COVID-19 pandemic offered selfless services by producing sanitisers, face masks, pedal operated water and sanitiser dispensers, free online extra- mural classes, among others, to cushion the effects of the pandemic and lockdown on members of the public.
He urged them to feel the pulse of their host communities and intiate laudable projects that would ameliorate their suffering, improve their standard of living and also give them a new lease of life.
General lbrahim also warned that presentation of fake medical papers for redeployment attracts sanctions.
He said posting, redeployment and other services rendered by the NYSC attracts no fee, adding that anyone caught offering bribe would be sanctioned appropriately with the taker.
He appealed to the Corps Members to embrace the Federal Government’s gesture of free COVID-19 vaccine and be vaccinated in order to protect themselves.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of her colleagues nationwide, the Kebbi State Corps Camp Director, Bankole Shukurat Abiodun KB/21C/0304 appreciated the DG for his purposeful and coordinated leadership style of administration which has made the Scheme more relevant.
She said the NYSC over the years has been inculcating the spirit of teamwork, nation building and self- reliance among the Nigerian youths.
She disclosed that the knowledge and skills acquired during the three- week Orientation Course would be effectively used to become self reliant and job creators.
“The Orientation Course has afforded us the opportunity to learn leadership skills, para-military drills, security tips, martial arts, entrepreneurship skills, all geared towards making us responsible future leaders.
We promise to be law-abiding and good ambassadors of the NYSC and the nation at large, and we shall justify the confidence reposed in us”, she said.
Featured
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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