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WHO WANTS THE NYSC DEAD?

Published

6 years ago

June 18, 2020

By Rems Akinola

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was conceptualized as a veritable vehicle to galvanized national unity and integration, speeding up the healing process of a country just emerging from the pains of a bloody civil war which left in its wake great devastations in both human and material terms, on both sides of the conflict.

The birthing of the Scheme in 1973 was a follow – up to the three Rs of Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation pronounced by the by then Head of State, Gen Yakubu Gowon’s Administration at the end of the Biafra/Nigeria civil war in 1970.

The first set of Corps Members who commenced service in July 1973 were graduates of the then existing Nigerian Universities of the 1972/73 academic session who did so amid protests by the would-be Corps Members, their parents, and guardians. The students thought it’s not worth it, “wasting” a whole year to the so-called service to the nation, when companies were in a queue to employ them, with a guaranteed car loan and good life.

On the part of their parents and guardians, they felt that letting their sons and daughters travel to far-flung states constituted a heavy security risk, given that the wounds inflicted by the civil war were still fresh.

Notwithstanding the protests, the then Federal Military Government was resolute in going ahead with the establishment of the Scheme, having given due consideration to the perceived gains derivable from the Corps.

Therefore, 2364 graduates of the universities constituted the pioneer members of the Scheme, deployed to the then twelve states of Nigeria.

Interestingly, the Corps, having weathered so many existential storms has grown exponentially over the past forty – seven years, mobilizing currently for service over 300,000 Nigerian youths, hence making it the biggest youth – mobilization agency in the globe.

The question begging for answer is: After 47 years, who wants the Scheme dead, albeit instalmentally?

The traditional and new media were awash with the report of the Osibanjo – led Economic Sustainability Committee, recommending the suspension of the NYSC Orientation programme for two years. The Committee further proposed the deployment of Prospective Corps Members from their higher institutions of graduation, straight to states of service.

The position of the Committee, doubtlessly fraught with so many flaws is manifestly antithetical to the philosophy behind the establishment of the Scheme as the Orientation camp introduces the Corps Members to the service Scheme.

In fact, as an ex – Corps Member from the South West, a stakeholder of the Scheme that faithfully served in Niger State which broadened my horizon, I can aptly say that the Orientation camp is the launching pad for the one-year national service. It affords Corps Members a better understanding of the objectives of the Scheme; acquaints them with their environment in their political, cultural, social and economic setting, while preparing them for their particular roles in the Scheme.

The Orientation camp is a regimented environment which inculcates the spirit of discipline among the Corps Members — a primary ingredient needed for national rebirth, by subjecting them to military drills; and educating them on nationalistic issues.

Ordinarily, some of the youths wouldn’t have had the opportunity to travel to those places, save the scheme. But more importantly, it enables youths from across the country the opportunity to interact.

Above all, the Orientation camp lays the foundation for the much envisaged national unity and integration through the interaction of Corps Members from diverse ethnic groups, social strata, and religious backgrounds.

Lasting friendships cutting across tribe and religion have been built over the years; in addition to intertribal marriages that arose as a result of exposure to the Orientation camp. Who then wants the NYSC dead?

Sadly, over the years, the NYSC Scheme has remained a hapless head that receives underserved ruthless knocks from every Tom, Dick, and Harry. Most of the challenges besetting the Scheme are extraneous to it.

Truly speaking, I don’t envy the managers of the Scheme, especially the PR managers who usually have a lot of explanations to offer when NYSC suffers vicariously for other agencies’ failings.

For instance, if a Corps Member comes on harm’s way, even in his father’s house, as long as he’s a Corps Member, the Scheme must take responsibility for his fate.

The NYSC is blamed for every wrong thing in Nigeria, from unemployment to insecurity. Some people would often ask derisively: After NYSC, what next? The rhetorical question is borne out of the spiraling unemployment situation in the country which of course is not the making of the Scheme, as Corps Members can never be insulated from the vagaries of the economy.

It’s heartwarming to note that the Scheme answered the rhetorical question with the introduction of the NYSC skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development programme, which has in camp and post-camp components.

While in the camp, Corps Members are exposed to skill training in chosen skill sets and they continue with the training after the Orientation course.

From diligent investigation, a number of ex – Corps Members have been able to set up thriving businesses, arising from the NYSC skill acquisition programme.

I have a female cousin who studied Architecture, but today earns a living from the business of hat, bag, and shoe – manufacturing, employing, and mentoring four employees.

Therefore, cutting off the Orientation programme which I hold as a veiled attempt to reach the jugular of the Scheme, will be akin to dealing an unkind cut to the youths.

NYSC unarguably remains the major youth programme in the country, and no amount of resources expended on youth – development is a waste. The youths are the future of this country, and the future of this country should not be toyed with.

I hastily posit that I consider giving focus to the youths as one of the greatest achievements of the Scheme. The Orientation camp is like a crucible that changes the perception of an average Corps Member about life.

Is it not amazing that many cultists who drop the toga of cultism before entering the camp since the NYSC has zero-tolerance for cultism leave the camp after three – weeks with a refocused mindset, abandoning the figurative toga left at the entrance of the gate.

It’s still very doubtful that anyone who served the nation diligently as a Corps Member would support tinkering with the soul of the NYSC — the Orientation camp, unless for political expediency, as pundits have begun to give political coloration to the recommendation of the Osibanjo — led Economic Sustainability Committee.

Many have alleged that the Scheme has become an albatross for so many politicians that evaded service; therefore they must conspiratorially snuff life out of the Scheme insidiously.

Who wants the NYSC dead? The Scheme is a microcosmic Nigeria. Killing the Scheme in any guise is akin to piercing the heart of the nation with a hot knife, which after all may give the day to the promoters of separatist movements and tribal jingoists.

Nigerians are watching the President to know his reaction. Will he acquiesce to the recommendation of the Committee which on the face value appears innocuous, but in reality, a representation of a gold chalice, laden with poisonous venom.

The NYSC scheme is fulfilling its mandate and nothing should hamper its operations; if anything, it must be guarded jealously

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Featured

Imo North Senate Seat: The Dire Imperative For Continuity By Senator (Engr) Patrick Ndubueze For The Eleventh Senate

Published

1 week ago

May 5, 2026

The Gleamer

(By Jim C.Isilebo).

As the tempo of political activities hightens preceeding the conduct of 2027 General elections in the country,expectedly,all political actors jostling for one elective office or the other,have concurrently raised their preparation and maneuvers towards the actualization of their respective aspirations of being elected..

A cursory survey of the recent developments in Imo North Senatorial District of Imo state,is indicative of the emergence of various interest groups with all categories of individuals for her Senatorial seat presently occupied by one of the most valuable revelations of Nigeria’s 10th Senate, Distinguished Senator Patrick Chinwuba Ndubueze,a thorough bred and consumate professional engineer from Umualumoke Okigwe local government area of Imo state.

According to an Imo-born commentator on public affairs and age-long ally of the Senator,Chief Ethelbert Nwachukwu,whom over the years have monitored his political trajectory,this uncommon politician who was once a member of House of Representatives at a relatively young age of twenty eight,in the early nineties during the Abacha-aborted political experimentation of former head of state General Ibrahim Babangida,Ndubueze,commenced his quest of representing the people of Imo North Senatorial District,or Okigwe zone of a wider geographical space with his sojourn at DPN.

Ever seen then,he has perennially continued to make relentless efforts in virtually every election cycle towards actualizing his avowed target,despite advises from friends and associates to step down and take another shot at the lower house of Representatives.

Over the years,keen watchers of contemporary political development in Imo North Senatorial district will attest to the fact that on each of the occasions of his contest for this Senate seat,he won at both the primaries and main elections,but unfortunately was denied victory pronouncement by the notorious ‘Nigerian factor’.

But finally providence smiled at Ndubueze in the 2023 general election when his long-sort aspiration came to fruition as he emerged victorious at both the elections and courts.

At this juncture Senator Ndubueze being a resolutely committed Christian,in recompense for answered prayers to God made a vow to commit all his energy and resources towards a desirable and valuable stewardship to the good people of Okigwe Senatorial zone,as he immediately rolled up his sleeves and went to work which has yielded enviable dividends since the advent of the present political dispensation as shown below.

ROAD NETWORKS INFRASTRUCTURES

Senator Ndubueze, as an unsullied and home-bred politician,coupled with his professional training as a tested civil engineer, clearly understood the challenges of his people.

Following which he firmly pledged to his people during his electioneering campaign to do everything within the ambits of his powers,capability,and capacity to ensure that the key interconnecting roads in Okigwe zone were well captured in the Appropriation Acts.

He envisaged that if there is an intentional,honest and diligent pursuit in the execution implementation of these projects, it will bring communities within the zone much closer to one another,thus awakening their realisation of oneness.

In pursuant to this,during his short-lived tenure as Senate Committee Chairman on Works,Senator Ndubueze facilitated the capturing of several roads within the zone in the 2024 Appropriation Act,some of which are advanced completion stages, or about commencement at the moment.They include;

(i) Umuelemai-Ikpem-Orreh-Umualumoke-Enugu/PH Expressway(25km.Linking Isiala-Mbano,Ehime-Mbano,Onuimo,and Okigwe.

(ii) Ishinweke-Uboma-Ugwaka-Ezinnachi-Ogii-Enugu/PH Expressway(29 5kms).Linking Okigwe,Ihitte-Uboma & extending to Obowo.

(iii) Afor Umuna-Umuduruegbeaguru-Ndiadimoha road(13kms).Linking Okigwe and Onuimo.

(iv) Aba branch-Eke Ahiara-Okpala road.Linking Ehime- Mbano,Ahiazu-Mbaise,Abor-Mbaise & Ngor Okpala.

Complimentary to the above,Senator Ndubueze have also leveraged on his Vice-chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),to facilitate in capturing of some arterial road projects and other vital infrastructures as,Skills Acquisition Centers,Construction/Reconstruction of dilapidated schools infrastructure,Solar community lifgting projects,in their 2025/26 budgetary year.He is assidiously working towards the successfull processing and execution of these projects in the nearest future.

SPONSORSHIP OF BILLS & MOTIONS.

Being cognitive of the fact that conventionally the basic responsibility of the Legislature across the globe,ditto our National Assembly,is law-making.

Therefore Senator Ndubueze during his electioneering campaign resolutely reassured his constituents of their voices literally re-echoing oncemore at the floor of the Red chambers.

The Senator have never reneged on this promise as shown in his robust participation with constructive and vital inputs at both plenary and committee levels in the Senate over the last three years.

Comparative records available on a substantial percentage of his colleagues from the South East zone and nationally are clearly indicative of his excellent and commendable delivery in sponsorship, core-sponsorship of critical Bills and Motions.

Some of these Bills have been passed and accented by the President,whereas some are either awaiting Presidential accents or at their various stages of Bills passage.They include:-
*(A) Bills;*

(i) Project Development Agency(PRODA) Bill-2023(SB 49).

(ii) Public Partnership Regulatory Commission Bill-2023(SB 131)

(iii) National Road Fund Bill,2023(SB 60).
(iv) National Centre For Cancer Research & Treatment(Establishment) Bill 2024(SB 347).

(v) Federal University Okigwe,Imo state(Establishment)2024.

(vi) Federal Medical Centre (Ammendment)Bill 2023(SB-315).*Note*:Originated from the House,but aided speedy/ seamless Senate Concurrence.

(vii) Local Automative Industry Patronage Bill,2023(SB 315).

*(B)Motions(Sponsored/Co-sponsored)*.

(i) Need to investigate the controversial huge expenditures on Premium Motor Spirit(PMS)under the subsidy recovery regime of NNPC,11th July 2023(Sponsored).

(ii) Need to holistically investigate the disbursement of loans by Development Bank of Nigeria NIRSAL,and related banks to Micro, Small,and Medium scale Enterprises(MSME)in Nigeria from 2015 to date,12th July 2023.(Co-sponsored).

(iii) Collapse of Road Infrastructure in Nigeria, 19th July 2023.

(iv)Poor state of roads Infrastructure/menace of Gully Erosion in Nigeria,19th July 2023.(Co-sponsored).

(v) Condemnation of the disruptive nature of of ‘Sit-at-Home’ demonstrations in the South East,26th July 2023.

(vi) Urgent need to balance geo-political representation in ministerial appointments,7th August 2023.

(vii) Urgent need to withdraw from schools the book “Fundamentals of Civic Education for Basic 8(JSS2) by Shola Akinyemi,5th October 2023.

(viii) Urgent need to upgrade the Eastern Rail Line,traversing PH-Enugu-Maiduguri)from Narrow Gauge Rail, 15th November 2023.

(ix) Introduction of Food Stamps in Nigeria as interim measure to address Imminent food insecurity in the country, 21st February 2024.
JINX-BREAKING LEGACY PROJECTS.

Aside from all the major roads interconnecting the six local government areas of the state which Senator Ndubueze is consciously pursuing for eventual implementation,because on completion they will all outlive our generation,there are remarkable pivotal projects,he conceptualized to lift the entire zone off its current state as the least developed in Imo state.They are;

*(1)Greater Okigwe Regional Power Project*.

One key pivotal legacy projects that Senator Patrick Ndubueze will for ever be associated with by posterity and remembered for are his roles in addressing the age-long concerning electricity challenge that has bedeviled Okigwe zone for several years now. In a bid to resolving it, Senator Ndubueze from first day in office took,the Bull by the horns and embarked on the Greater Okigwe Regional Power Project in pursuit of solutions in synergy with various relevant Federal government agencies,robustly supported by his Excellency the governor of Imo state Senator Hope Uzodinma.

This multibillion naira venture pursuit by the Senator has eventually led to the awards and implementation of multiple contracts by different Electricity-related Federal government agencies,ie,Transmission Company of Nigeria(TCN) and FGN-Power Holding Company,resulting in errection of mega transmission towers with their complimenting power lines.

Just recently,the entire Okigwe people,Imolites and the adjoining state of Abia heartily heralded the arrival to Okigwe of the long-awaited gigantic 1/63MVA MOBITRA sub-station,which when eventually energised will turn around the development pace of the Senatorial zone.

*(2)Federal University Okigwe*

Cognitive of the fact that Okigwe Senatorial District is the only zone in Imo state without a full fledged University(state or federal),Senator Ndubueze promptly pushed for one on his assumption of office by presenting a Bill he had earlier conceptualized even before elected.

He assidiously and diligently followed it up from reading,passage and accent by Mr President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu(GCFR),and also have not ceased in profusely appreciating the unquantifiable enormous contributions of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Imo state,Senator Hope Uzodinma(GCON),in seeing this dream come to fruition.

This omnibus institution, which will attract multibillion naira investments into the zone from governmental and non-governmental organisations from within and outside the country on commencement will positively expedite a preponderance of positive economic activities,not only within its immediate location,but also the zone at large.

*(3)Ezinnachi Regional Grain Silo

In recent months, Senator Ndubueze have meaningfully engaged constructively with authorities of Federal Ministry of Agriculture on this abandoned Grain Silo sighted in Ezinnachi to serve the South East geopolitical zone.

The interactions which are yielding very positive results will lead to the relocation and expansion of the facility to more appropriate site.When completed,this will be of huge benefits to farmers within the zone that will put it to maximum utility.

It is worthy of note that on completion of these mega projects in the zone, they will on aggregate attract a whooping investment over two hundred billion *(N200billion)* to Okigwe zone,which is not by any standard a mean feat.

Therefore,it will be foolhardy and unimaginable for Okigwe people to trust the execution and conclusion of these critical infrastructures in the hands of individuals who are utterly alien and distanced from their conceptualization and direction,or understand the vision of their promoter,Senator Patrick Ndubueze.

HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT.
In view of the intractable unemployment and under-employment challenges plaguing the country for a very long time,moreso as at affects his constituents,Senator Ndubueze, on assumption of office have been inundated daily will countless requests from his many of his ably qualified youths seeking for assistance in this regard or aided in undertaking improved skills re-tooling programs to face this daunting realities.

In striving to address this huge problems within his capacity, Senator Ndubueze have been spiritedly making attempts by exploring available opportunities within relevant Federal and state government ministeries,departments and agencies (MDA’s),all aimed at meaningfully engaging,empowering and employing the much in this overwhelming pool he can be able to assist.

Sequel to this, he has facilitated the following beneficiaries in gaining from the following efforts:
(i) International Capacity Building in China

BATCH-A.: “Seminar on Frontier Health Quarantine for officials of developing countries”.● Ekwebelem Isdore Ikechukwu.●Onyeka Gospel Tony Chinasa.●Ihekweme Mbazuike Anthony.

BATCH-B. “Seminar on Malaria control for developing countries”.●Iwuoha Chinedum Chimezie.●Eze Ndukauba.●Ogbonna Emmanuel Chidi.

BATCH-C: “Seminar on Law-based and Internationalised Business Environment for BRI countries.●Nwaudo Arinze Onyeonoro.

BATCH-D: “Seminar on Emergency Telecom Network for Developing Countries”.●Chigozie Samuel Onwuegbu.

BATCH-E: “Seminar on Agricultural Biotechnology for developing countries”.●Ezekwem Christopher Chukwudi.●Henry Chinedu Onwudiwe.
*(2)Federal Ministry of Steel Boot-Camp Training Program*.

As Chairman Senate Committee on Steel Development,Senator Patrick Ndubueze has leveraged on that opportunity to facilitate the participation of twenty-one(21) youths on the ministry’s one-month apprenticeship tutelage program at the Metalurgical Training Institute, Onitsha, in March 2025, after which they were all equipped with expendive specialised starter-packs to assist in their vocational take off.

The beneficiaries are;■ Ezeala Osinachi

Stanley.

■Ikechukwu Onyemaechi.

■Uwazurike Nzubechi Edith.

■Ezekwem Wilson Uchenna.

■Onyekaonwu Evans Obinna.

■Esilonu Uche Henry.

■Alisi Chukwuemeka Christopher.

■Ezekwem Chimezie Isdore.

■Ogbonna Patrick Santos.

■Osuji Ifeanyi.

■Okebata Isioma.

■Okafor Sandra.

■Onwe Chioma Lora.

■Onwu Onyedi.■

Ilo Chinwendu.

■Sopuruchi Uwa.

■Ozoemena Herbert.

■Oluchi Precious.

■Nzubechi Edith.

■Uwa Festus.

■Okenna Goodluck.

In addition to all the above,and within his first two years at the Senate,Engineer Patrick Ndubueze has also aided four (4) of his constituents skilled personnel in travelling to Kuwait and meaningfully engaged.
EMPLOYMENT/TRAINING IN MINISTRIES DEPARTMENTS & AGENCIES(MDA’s).

(a) *National Steel Council*.● Keke Elvis Nnaemeka.●Maduabuchi Ngozi Genevieve.●Mbiaka Kennedy Chinedum.●Ezekwem Christopher Chukwudi.●Chukwuma Cyril Chukwuebuka.●Madu Kingsley Ifeanyi●Igonor Rebecca Ufor.●Bekee Esther Chioma.

*(b).National Steel Raw Material Exploration Agency*.●Ike Phubian Nneka. ●Ebo Emeka Christopher. ●Ohaneje Chinonso●Onyemelusi Gabriel .●Ogechi Igwe. ●Nnanna Obinna.●Ike Justice Chigozie.

*(c) Nigerian Police Forcel(Officers Cadre)*●Akubuike Chinemerem Patrick. ●Oti Nzubechi Marcellus.●Anyanwu Deborah. ●Obialor Chinemerem Miriam. ●Onyejide Elizabeth.

*(d) Nigerian Navy(Officers Cadre)*■Anyanwu Divine.■Uche Bunny Chinua.■Wilson David Eyo.

*(e) Nigerian Army(Officers Cadre)*.●Dominic Chijindu Franklin.

*(f) Nigerian Police Academy*■Iwuozor Precious Udochukwu.

*(g)University of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences,Umuagwo Imo state (Employment)*●Ojiridike Ibe Steve. ●Egbulonu Uche.●Dr Irene Onwuegbute.

*(h) Federal University Teaching Hospital(former FMC)Owerri (Employment)*.●Dr Loveth Chibuka Onwuegbu.

*(i)National Assembly Services Commission*●Onyekaonwu Justina Nnenna.

DECEMBER 31ST 2024 OKIGWE MEGA EMPOWERMENT.

On the 31st of December 2024,Senator Ndubueze pulled off one of the most ambitious Senatorial empowerment programme since the advent of the current democratic dispensation in 1999.

The event which was witnessed by the the Executive Governor of Imo state His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma,his wife and a large of the state Executive and Legislative arms,saw Senator Ndubueze dispensing to lucky beneficiary-constituents first in the zone’s history large number of empowerment items as start-up aids or in support of their respective businesses.

The items include;●19 Mini buses.●10 Tricycles.●119 Grinding machines.●96 Sewing machines.●22 Power Generating sets.●23 Laptops. ●23 Refrigerators.●12 Motorcycles.

MISCELLANEOUS INTERVENTIONS.

(a) Embarked on distribution of 4000 bags of rice to less privileged and windows across the six local government areas of Okigwe.

(b)Procurement and installation of (500),five hundred solar-powered street lights in various communities in the zone.

In conclusion,some of the rare virtues of Distinguished Senator Patrick Chinwuba Ndubueze,that has aptly earned him the appellation as an “uncommon Senator” ,is his striking straightforwardness & bluntness in engagement on issues.

Ndubueze will hardly promise you what he clearly knows will have challenges in fulfilment and therefore stays safe without such commitments.

If you’re the type who believes that our political representatives should convert our infrastructural dividends to liquid cash for the purpose of freely dispensing same to attract followership like “Father Christmas” as against deploying it rightfully for the development of the generality of his constituents,you may find it difficult to be his fan.

In fact he once joked that….” if he was to appropriate to himself half the value of these mega projects he brought home and share it amongst his fans in the 64 wards of his constituency,he will be worshipped by them,but at the expenseof God’s wrath”.

He is also focused and resilient in pursuant of his set objectives.

Senator Ndubueze, who is a workaholic,also is comfortable living a basically simple & affordable lifestyle,which reflects in his non-flamboyant dressing mode,leisure,food and drinks.As a matter of fact,Ndubueze best drink is fanta orange,and sparingly takes quarter-glass of wine,amongst friends and associates.

Even the type of automobiles he opts to use are indicative of his life choice.Till date he happens to be about the only Senator in the National Assembly who has “stubbornly” stuck with his belief in patronising “Made in Nigeria” vehicles.

He proudly drives and parades his INNOSON SUV at work daily and everywhere he goes in Abuja,as an exemplification of identifying with the inherent principles of his Local Automative Industry Patronage Bill,which incidentally is in sync with Mr President’s promotion of “Nigeria First initiative”.

*Chief Isilebo,is a Consultant on Strategic Communication,and writes from Abuja, Nigeria*

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