NEWS
Re: In the Valley of a Hounding Death: Corps Members and The Alluvion of Mishaps
By Anthony Kolawole
I haven’t written in a while for personal reasons. But I came out of my self-imposed sabbatical after reading a piece titled “In the Valley of a Hounding Death: Corps Members and The Alluvion of Mishaps” and written by Ogungbile Emmanuel Oludotun.
In the piece, I was confronted with the effort of a young man trying to tell a story on a subject he was not conversant with. Though he wrote with so much passion and contradictions, I understood because he was ignorant of some of the factors surrounding the cause of the road accident, which he quoted in the analysis of his piece.
After writing such a piece, there was no way the writer would not lose appetite, according to him. There was also no way the writer would not experience “vibrations, thumps and other sounds in his brain cells because the issues are beyond his paygrade and for jumping into a hasty conclusion on the NYSC as a scheme.
The plot was clear, but the delivery was defective. Having ranted about how lives were lost in service to the country, he went further to state that the “NYSC is not a bad scheme, it is one of the most potentially oriented scheme that can grow unity and growth in Nigeria.”
Now my question is, if you knew this much about the strategic importance of the NYSC in the socio-economic development of Nigeria, why rant about how undergoing the mandatory national youth service have resulted in the loss of lives and, therefore, it should be scrapped.
I would also commend the writer for this attempt, but with a piece of strong advice for up-and-coming writers like him. The number one rule is to research extensively on a subject before putting pen to paper. The number two rule is to make a point with facts and not conjectures to mislead the unsuspecting general public members.
The piece attempted to touch on the unfortunate mishap that claimed the lives of some corp members on their way for orientation, but the point where he lost it was when he assumed the right to pass judgement on the NYSC as a scheme and going back to bring up issues in times where some corp members lost their lives under various circumstances.
That was a low, in my opinion, because he attempted to paint the NYSC as a deliberately structured scheme to cause death to corp members. I wish to help him out to reduce his nightmares.
He said, “I was really angry that night, so there I was in the middle of the night burning with an intense, deep-seated anger, asking myself the questions of why would the life of such promising young individuals would waste like that in the name of serving one’s father’s land.”
The above paragraph implies that the NYSC as the scheme deliberately caused the accident that claimed the lives of the corp members. He didn’t bother to inquire about the conditions when the corp members travelled and the vehicle’s roadworthiness. He also failed to consider that anyone could be involved in an accident- wealthy, poor, students, workers, corp members and the likes.
He went further in his rant to say, “I was angry that it’s not the first time this kind of tragic incidence will happen to corp members, be it abduction from the men of the underworld, road accident on the deplorable Nigerian roads and a lot of avoidable mishaps caused by this scheme.”
This, in my opinion, is uncharitable. It could be a function of two things; one could be mischief, and the other could be ignorance. But I chose to go with both because no right-thinking individual would assume that the NYSC would deliberately cause a road mishap or put corp members in harm’s way.
At this point, I would not go further into his writing which has all indicators of a diatribe against the NYSC. I know the writer is a young chap. However, it is inexcusable that such a young man would dissipate so much energy in running down a scheme he excitedly participated in at some point in his life. Maybe in return for a plate of porridge.
It either he is not aware, or he chooses to ignore the innovations in the scheme with regards to the various security measures in place for corp members in their different places of primary assignment and the continuous enlightenment and appeal to corp members by the NYSC authorities not to engage in acts that would bring harm their way, such as travelling without clearance /at ungodly hours, engaging in political activities, etc.
I think that the writer ought to have channelled his misplaced anger to advising prospective corp members on some of the things they should avoid to make their service year pleasant, drawing from his personal experience. And not castigate the scheme mischievously.
I expect to read from him on how the NYSC has contributed to Nigeria’s socio-economic development. I wish to read from him on how the NYSC has been exposing youths to different cultures, thereby fostering national unity and many more.
I also expect to read from him on the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme designed to equip corp members with skills that will make them employable and fit to employ others.
I also expect to read from him on the Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund meant for youths undergoing the mandatory one-year national service programme to become employers of labour, rather than job seekers, by providing funds to startup new businesses and expand existing ones. This is just an advice for the young man to be circumspect in his public outings.
Kolawole PhD wrote this piece from Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, returned to the state on Friday, landing at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, at about 11:55 a.m. to the cheers of his supporters who trooped out to welcome him.
His return comes hours after President Bola Tinubu lifted the emergency rule imposed on the state on March 18, following a political crisis that saw Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, suspended from office.
Despite his arrival, the governor had yet to resume at the Government House office as of Friday afternoon. On Thursday, the Rivers State House of Assembly reconvened, but hundreds of Fubara’s supporters who had gathered at the Government House in anticipation of his return waited in vain.
During the emergency rule, Tinubu appointed retired Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as sole administrator to oversee the state. In a farewell broadcast on Wednesday, Ibas handed over power and urged political actors in Rivers to embrace dialogue and mutual respect.
The crisis in the state began after Fubara fell out with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, over control of Rivers’ political structure. The feud split the state assembly and escalated into violent confrontations.
In June, Tinubu convened a reconciliation meeting with Fubara, Wike, Assembly Speaker Martin Amaewhule, and other key stakeholders.
By July, Ibas inaugurated the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), led by Michael Odey, which conducted council elections across the state on August 30.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) won 20 local government areas, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secured three.
NEWS
Nigerian Born Int’l Journalist, Livinus Chibuike Victor, attempts to attain Interviewing Marathon of 72hours 30 Seconds
Journalists plays an essential role in promoting transparency, challenging power, and giving a voice to the voiceless. Despite increasing threats to press freedom across the world.
As the world reflects on the vital role journalists play in upholding democratic values, Livinus Chibuike Victor, Imo State born globally acclaimed journalist, proudly announce a historic Guinness World Record attempt for the longest interviewing marathon, with the Theme (NIGERIA OUR STRENGTH) scheduled to take place from 28th September to October 1st 2025, at Tangier Hotel, 34, Ekukinam street, Besides ABC Transport, Utako, Abuja.
The record attempt according to Victory, aims to highlight the enduring impact of journalism in a democratic society, a profession that continues to educate, empower, and hold those in power accountable. In an age where truth is often under siege, this initiative seeks to draw attention to the essential need for a free, ethical, and fearless press.
“Democracy is impossible without an informed public, and journalists are the ones who make that possible, “This attempt is not just about setting a new world record; it’s about celebrating truth, integrity, and the powerful role journalism plays in building and sustaining open societies.
The Guinness World Record attempt will feature a series of activities designed to engage the public, celebrate press freedom, and honor the sacrifices made by journalists around the world.
Members of the public, media professionals, and civic leaders are invited to witness and support the event as it unfolds over three inspiring days at the Tangier Hotel, Ekukinam Street, Utako,.Abuja, Nigeria.
About Livinus Chibuike Victor
Livinus Chibuike Victor is a Nigerian journalist known for his fearless reporting and advocacy for Press Freedom. He has worked tirelessly to promote transparency and accountability in society through his work.
The immediate past National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Chief Dr. Chris Isiguzo (MFR), has been celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement Award by journalists from the South East Zone C during a special homecoming held in his honour at the NUJ Enugu Council Press Centre.
Speaking at the event, NUJ Vice President (South East), Comrade Ezenwa Adiuku, said the recognition was in appreciation of Isiguzo’s remarkable leadership and contributions during his tenure as National President. He described him as “a pathfinder, a trailblazer, a mentor, and a leader,” noting that he positioned the South East as a strong voice within the Union.
Chairman of the occasion and SSA to the Enugu State Governor on External Media Relations, Mr. Uche Anichukwu, stressed the importance of quality leadership recruitment in a democracy, urging citizens to reject vote buying and selling. He charged the media to intensify civic education to ensure credible leadership choices.
The current NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, praised the South East leadership for honouring Isiguzo, adding that it was the first time a sitting national president would honour his predecessor. He expressed confidence in the new Enugu Council leadership under Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, urging members to give full support.
In his response, Isiguzo expressed gratitude to the Union, recounting his administration’s achievements such as member registration, creation of the NUJ website, restoration of peace in councils, improved relations with state governments, and enhanced staff welfare.
Delivering a keynote address on “Leadership Recruitment Amid Challenges of Poverty: The Role of the Media”, UNN Vice Chancellor, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, represented by Prof. Olaiwola Usman, linked Nigeria’s poverty crisis to poor leadership choices, stressing the media’s role in promoting credible recruitment of leaders.
The high point of the ceremony was the presentation of the NUJ South East Zonal Lifetime Achievement Award portrait to Isiguzo by Comrade Yahya, alongside tributes from NUJ and NAWOJ leaders.
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