THERE are trial periods in every system, a time in which its beauty is apparently overshadowed by a tragic incident. People should at such time look beyond the tragedy and consider the achievements recorded.
NYSC witnessed the darkest period, since its existence, last month during the post election violence.
It was a period of sorrow for corps members, a period of mourning for friends and relatives of the deceased corps members. Many loud voices echoed that the scheme be scraped. A good number of people also averred that corps members should serve in their own states, or in their geo-political zones: this will forestall future tragedy.
All their opinions are justified considering the magnitude of the tragedy and the heartlessness of the perpetrators. However, scraping the scheme or effecting changes that are contrary to the ideas of the scheme will amount to throwing the baby out with the bath water.
When NYSC was established on May 22, 1973, it was aimed at cementing our national unity and integration. The raison d’etre was that young Nigeria graduate should mix with people from other tribes and zones, and learn their cultures and languages to achieve the desired national cohesion. This could only be achieved through inter zonal and state deployment of corps member.
The scheme, no doubt, has justified its existence – unifying the nation. Beyond this, it has also been in the vanguard of rural development. It has through its Community Development Service provided sizeable infrastructures for host communities.
Corps members have built schools, civic centres, and town halls, to mention just this. Many rural communities have been provided with bore holes, bringing an end to water scarcity and its related problems. Corps members are household names today, their impact felt in every nook and cranny of the country.
Apart from infrastructural development, our education sector has benefited most from corps members’ impacts. Up to 8 percent of the teachers in most village schools are corps members. They have always ensured that they keep the schools going, reducing the level of illiteracy and school drop-outs.
How many villagers can send their wards to private schools? This is not to say that corps members are not in private schools. Imagine what the situation would be like if these messiahs were withdrawn from schools.
Unarguably, some persons are sworn enemies of progress and all that is good. The government should not fold their arms to see this lofty scheme destroyed by individuals who are beastly and denuded of human reasoning and emotions. If they succeed in their plans it goes without that disorder will become the order of the day.
We appreciate the efforts of security agents who have made sure that about 600 people have been arrested in connection with the mayhem. The government should not hesitate to make the culprits face the full wrath of the law.
We appreciate the efforts of government since the wake of the crisis, though strongly deprecate the initial security lapse that engendered the mass murder. Not for their timely intervention, the crisis would have assumed worse dimension. Corps members in those troubled states were protected and promptly flown to their home states.
The President had also ensured that proper machinery was put in place to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act. Recently, he met with the families of the deceased corps members, promised to give each of the affected families 5 million Naira, and grant automatic employment to a graduate from each of the families. He also gave automatic employment to all who sustained injury during the unrest.
These are welcome developments and would go a long way to cushioning the effect of the tragic loss.
The president should however, grant all corps members who participated in the elections automatic employment. Everyone encountered one or two problems, some verging on loss of life. This will fire their patriotic zeal.
There is no doubt that the president did not under value corps members’ sacrifices. We aver that government consolidate the security of corps members, and increase their welfare packages during their service year. This will make up for the hardship they encounter.
Since NYSC has been adjudged the most veritable vehicle of national unity, we should not allow a few unpatriotic individuals to rob us of its usefulness. Nigerians should in their individual ways contribute to the progress of the scheme.
|
THE recent macabre dance in Benin metropolis which has continued to cause constant fear in the minds of residents has, understandably....
Ogogoro, also known as sapele water which until now was said to be the poor man's drink is fast dominating the market....