National Youth Suffering Corps

By Casmir Igbokwe

Aisha, a beautiful young lady, made my day in Kaduna. Before you get it twisted, the woman was just a good dancer and comedian. If you had anything bothering you, all you needed to do was to watch her dance and your sorrow would evaporate. That was in those days when Kaduna was a true liberal state; when killings and terrorism were strange words in the state. I served in the Kaduna State Council for Arts and Culture between 1993 and 1994. From the orientation camp called Black Gold to our places of primary assignment, most of us enjoyed our service to the fatherland. Some found their life partners in camp. Some made good friends. Some others found in the states they served, a veritable source of livelihood. Our allowances (allawee in corps members parlance) were not that big, but they were enough to take care of our immediate needs without bothering our parents.

This is not to say that it was sweet stories all through. I remember one of our derisive songs those days. Part of the lyrics reads, “We are the future leaders of this land…if you want to serve your country, be a youth ‘corper’ and be jobless all your life…”

Last Wednesday, another batch of youth corps members started their orientation. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was created by the Yakubu Gowon administration in a bid to reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the Nigerian civil war. The war had put a wedge in the peace and unity of the country. Hence, the scheme, established by decree 24 of May 22, 1973, was meant to develop and encourage common ties among the youths of Nigeria and to promote national unity. It is mandatory for graduates of tertiary institutions and it is for one year.

About 51 years down the line, the scheme appears to have outlived its usefulness. I must say that what inspired this piece was a message from Emeka, a good friend of mine who is a retiree of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). He wrote, “My dear brother, what type of country is this that makes promises to its youth, and does not fulfil it? Common NYSC members far away from their parents are being allowed to fend for themselves with N33,000 in this harsh economic environment! How do we really want these youths to be patriotic citizens? Unfortunately, nobody is their mouthpiece to ask the government to fulfil its promises and ameliorate the hardship they are encountering very, very far away from home. Not even their DG. What kind of service to the fatherland exposes the youth to this type of punishment? Yes, that’s what it is. Punishment! If the government is not capable of shouldering its responsibility, why not scrap the programme. Has it not outlived its usefulness?”

It is unconscionable to expose our youths to all manner of risks in the name of serving their fatherland. Government promised an increase in the monthly allowance of these corps members in September 2024, saying it would officially take effect from July 2024 in line with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024. By now, they are supposed to be earning N77,000, which is equal to the national minimum wage of N70,000 and an additional 10 per cent of the minimum wage. But that is not to be as they are still paid N33,000.

I have two children remaining in the university. Their monthly feeding allowance is far above what government is paying corps members. Even at that, they still complain that it is not enough for them. This government is quick to remove fuel subsidy and implement some other policies that have enriched the ruling class and pauperized the majority of Nigerians. But it is not quick to implement what will ameliorate the plight of its citizens, especially the youth.

This is despite the personal dangers these youths are subjected to almost on a daily basis. Some of them have been kidnapped on their way to and from orientation camps. On August 17, 2023, eight prospective corps members travelling from Akwa Ibom State to Sokoto for their three-week orientation course were abducted in Zamfara State. They were released in batches, but the last person regained his freedom on August 22, 2024. The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Yushau Ahmed, explained that they would no longer be required to serve due to the ordeal they passed through in the hands of their abductors. Hence, he issued them discharge certificates.

In July 2024, five corps members were similarly abducted in Ifon/Owo Road in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State. They were returning to Akure after the mandatory orientation at the NYSC permanent camp in Abia State. Luckily, they were released after paying N5m ransom and buying drinks and cigarettes for the kidnappers. Unfortunately, the kidnappers killed the driver and a female passenger. Some female corps members have suffered rape and other deprivations. Some have been killed for no just cause.

This is why most parents who have the connection work to have their children posted to a state of their choice, mainly where they reside. Prospective corps members are usually posted to states other than their states of origin. They are expected to interact with people of other ethnic nationalities and learn the culture and traditions of their host communities. This is to foster national unity. But now, a student who was probably raised up in Lagos or Benin, wants to still serve in those states. Most parents from the South dread having their children posted to most parts of the North because of insecurity. Has this not defeated the aim of this scheme? My daughter is gearing up for her own service. I don’t know where she will be posted to, but I will not wish her to serve in Kaduna where I had served with diligence and peace of mind.

The NYSC scheme needs serious reforms. First, the increased peanuts government promised to pay the corps members as monthly allowance should be paid immediately. The DG promised recently that it would soon be paid. Why it has taken this long to pay the money remains part of Nigerian government magic. We should not expose our youths to kwashiorkor in the name of serving their fatherland.

Secondly, corps members should not be posted to any state where terrorism festers. A state like Borno, the home state of Boko Haram; and Kaduna, where Fulani herdsmen have wreaked havoc, should be avoided at all costs. If corps members must be posted to such states, it must be in the capital cities and not in the hinterlands.

But come to think of it, why has the much-sought after peace and unity eluded Nigeria despite having a scheme like the NYSC? People go for service now because it is a requirement for getting jobs and appointments. If it is not made compulsory, how many people will wish to serve? Why is there still so much inter-ethnic rivalry and hatred in Nigeria? Over the years, why has this scheme not helped to cement the bond of unity in Nigeria? It is only a fool who continues to do one thing all the time even without getting tangible results.

It is either we reform the scheme and make it worth its while or scrap it outright. There is no need punishing our young ones in the name of serving their fatherland. They see the discrimination in the admission policy of our unity schools. They see nepotism in appointments and job placements in our ministries. They see herdsmen and their cows destroying their parents’ farmlands with impunity. They see election riggers snatching and grabbing power, using ethnic baits and sentiments. They know that all is not well with their country. They know that the talk of one nation, one destiny is a ruse. They know that our fault lines have widened despite programmes targeted at engendering unity and peace. Going to another state outside their home state to suffer for one year will not make our corps members change their minds about Nigeria. For now, at least, let the ‘S’ in the NYSC be exactly what it is – service, not suffering!

 

Re: Ofala and festive season in Igboland

Casmir, welcome back from the Yuletide holiday season. May the new year herald a new beginning for Nigeria. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. We cry onto God to please recreate Nigeria, amen. Let Nigeria not end up as a mistake IJN, amen. Most past and present/modern day leaders in Nigeria, regrettably, made and are still making it seemingly so! Your narrative is a testament to the fact that challenges in any community fall like a pack of cards when there is unity of purpose. Kudos to the people of Isuofia in Anambra. May they remain a shining light forever, amen. May they continue to enjoy favour in the sight of the almighty God. The common front/bond they have formed shall never be broken as they are useful to their communities. The saying that, “there was a job to be done, everybody thought somebody would do it but nobody did it,” can’t happen in a society like Isuofia that is full of responsible people where mutual love is shown one another. In praying, let us remember that the almighty God that we pray to is not an author of confusion and He is orderly in His ways.

My reservation with the red cap is that red symbolises danger. Blood is red. Can’t the Igbo change to a more refined peace-loving surreal colour for their cap of power & authority. The only permanent thing in life is change. Congratulations to you in advance vis-a-vis your forthcoming silver jubilee. We would love to tap from your ‘vast knowledge’ in marriage. May God continue to keep your marriage IJN, amen. The age groups are doing a yeoman’s job. They are valuable. They should keep it up. Welcome 2025 – the year of further resilience against increasing T-pain.

-Mike, Mushin, 0816 111 4572

 

•Also published in the Daily Sun of Monday, January 27, 2025

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