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We Are Interfacing With PTF For Safe Re-opening Of Orientation Camps-NYSC

Published

5 years ago

October 13, 2020

Joel Ajayi

The Director-General of NYSC Brigadier-General Ibrahim Shuaibu has revealed that the scheme is working tirelessly with the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 to ensure the reopening of NYSC Orientation Camps nationwide.

Brigadier-General Shuaibu gave this assurance on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2020 NYSC Freedom of Information Act FOIA Desk officers’ Training workshop.

NYSC Boss who was represented by the Director Human Resources Management Hajiya Habiba Bappah expressed that, lives of the Corps members are paramount to the Scheme.

According to him, let me seize this opportunity to assure the general public that the lives of the Corps members are paramount to the Scheme.

“We are interfacing with the Presidential Task Force (PTF) for the safe reopening of our orientation camps in compliance with COVID-19 protocols.

“I wish to reiterate however that unqualified persons will not be allowed to participate in the programme as adequate measures are already in place to arrest and prosecute individuals that may attempt to do so.

“It is pertinent to inform you that in spearheading the fight against fake graduates especially foreign-trained ones, we had a meeting with foreign Corps producing institutions and adopted measures to curb the trend.

“We also introduced physical and online verification exercises which resulted in the arrest and prosecution of culprits.” He assured.

Speaking on the FOIA for the Scheme’s Desk Officer’s Director-General said that the training is in furtherance of Management’s efforts at enhancing the competence of staff for higher productivity in line with the extant provisions of the FOI Act.

“Since 2011, The NYSC has remained committed to the successful implementation of the FOI Act in compliance with the Government’s directive on the domestication of the Act by all Ministries, Department, and Agencies (MDAs).

“This is in addition to the prompt response to all FOI requests as well as a timely rendition of annual reports to the Federal Ministry of Justice. Management will continue to sustain this practice and ensure that our FOIA Desk Officers are adequately trained and equipped with relevant working materials to facilitate optimum discharge of their responsibilities.

“NYSC has, over the years, operated an effective feedback mechanism which ensures prompt response to all enquires in line with the FOIA.

“All information about the operations of the NYSC and its activities are regularly publicized and updated on the scheme’s websites, social media platforms as well as the traditional media. We have also recently reintroduced the ‘NYSC Half Hour’ magazine programme on NTA and Armed Forces Radio. This has projected the scheme as one of the best performing agencies in the FOIA compliance ranking.”

While commending the commitment and resourcefulness of the Desk Officers as well as the entire workforce of the scheme which significantly contributed to the height we have attained so far; he urged them to re-double their efforts in the discharge of their duties in order to realize the scheme’s target of becoming the leading agency in FOIA compliance.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Adeyemi congratulates all on the achievements so far recorded in the implementation of FOIA in the Scheme.

According to her, our target is to be the best in the next compliance and transparency ranking.

“The Scheme is among the first government agencies to commence implementation of the Freedom of Information Act with the appointment of Desk Officers who have ensured NYSC’s adherence to the provisions of the law both at the National Directorate Headquarters and the 36 States/FCT Secretariats.

She equally said that the training will equally, provide the requisite platform for them to interact and rub their minds on challenges, they face in the course of discharging their duties.

On his own, one of the Speakers, the International training of the trainers on Anti-Corruption Mr. Abiodun Adebanjo in his topic: Enthroning a culture of openness in the public the sector through proper implementation of the FOIA said: “disclosed that for and desk officers’ to perform optimally they need to imbibe the culture of openness transparently and accountability.

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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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