Feature

FIJ: At Least ‘Five Abducted, 12 Killed’ in Two Years — The Travails of NYSC ‘Corpers’

Published

3 years ago

May 6, 2022

At least 12 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been reported killed and another five kidnapped in the last two years.

Innocent Ukpere and Victor Akpan, graduates of Mass Communication, were on their way to Katsina State when they suffered an accident and died. They were two of the five young graduates who died in the same accident.

Innocent and Victor were students of the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic while the other three — Miracle Asuquo, Stella Ekikoh and Ezuruike Coleman — were graduates of University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. All of them were headed to Katsina from Uyo for the NYSC camp when their bus had an accident along Abuja-Abaji-Kwali Expressway on Wednesday, July 28.

A week after their death, their bodies were transported home in a C-130 Nigerian Air Force aircraft.

NYSC is a mandatory one-year scheme created in a bid to reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the Nigerian Civil war. Usually, participants are posted to states they have never visited or are not native to.

Over the years, however, some corps members have lost their lives in accidents while travelling to camp or returning. Others to attacks while some have been kidnapped.

Most recently, four students of Osun State University, Osogbo were involved in an accident on Thursday. According to Ademola Adesoji, the institution’s PRO, three of the students, including the two who died, were heading for Kaduna, while the last was en route to Kano State.

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In April 2020, four corps members were involved in a road accident along Mokwa Road. They were admitted to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Kwara State, where Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, the Director-General of, National Youth Service Corps, visited them.

On March 9, 2020, four corps members were kidnapped while on their way to the NYSC Orientation Camp, Gusau, in Zamfara State. They were however rescued two days later with the aid of repentant bandits.

In December 2020, 17 corps members were attacked by armed robbers along Jere-Abuja Expressway. One of them, Bomoi Yusuf, died in the attack.

On August 18, 2019, 12 corps members travelling to Funtua to attend a church programme had an accident and three of them died on the spot while the others sustained various degrees of injuries.

While travelling in 2019, Nuraddeen Tahir, a corps member who had just completed his 2019 Batch ‘B’ orientation course in Taraba State, and some of his colleagues had an accident that led to the amputation of his left arm.

Abraham Amuta Abah, another corpms member whose family lived in Jentan Mangoro in Jos, Plateau State, was abducted by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.

Feature

Rotary District 9112 to host public image seminar in Lagos

Published

5 months ago

June 26, 2024

Ayodele Oshamokun

Rotary International District 9112 is gearing up to host a significant public image seminar on July 2, 2024, in Lagos.

This event, organized by the district’s Public Image Committee, is themed “The Magic of Public Image in Rotary.”

According to a release signed by the secretary, of District 9112 Public Image Committee, Rotarian Victor Ojelabi, the seminar will feature esteemed speakers in the media and marketing communications industry.

The chief host of the seminar is Rotarian Femi Adenekan, the pioneer District Governor of Rotary International District 9112, who would assume office on July 1, 2024, for the 2024-2025 Rotary year.

Among the distinguished speakers are Dr. Reuben Abati, syndicated columnist, TV host, and former presidential spokesman; Past Assistant Governor John Senaya, public speaking coach and PR expert; Past President Sola Akinsiku, president of Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) and Rotarian Jide Ogunleye, a digital marketing specialist.

Dr. Abati will analyze the “Role of the Media in the Task of Nation-Building,” providing insights on how media can influence and shape national development.

PAG Senaya will explore the “Rotary Brand Center,” emphasizing the importance of a strong brand identity for Rotary’s mission and activities.

PP Akinsiku will discuss “Expanding Rotary’s Reach and Impact through Out-of-Home Advertising,” highlighting strategies to increase Rotary’s visibility and engagement through innovative advertising methods.

Rtn. Ogunleye, the incoming president of the Rotary Club of Omole-Golden, will focus on “Deploying Social Media Channels to Enhance the Rotary Brand,” providing practical tips on leveraging social media for brand enhancement.

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“This seminar promises to be a pivotal event for Rotary members and stakeholders, aiming to enhance public awareness and appreciation of Rotary’s contributions to society,” said Assistant Governor Ehi Braimah, chairman of the District Public Image Committee.

The seminar is scheduled to kick off at 10:30 AM and will be held at the Keystone Bank Hall, The Rotary Centre, located at No. 8, Ladoke Akintola Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

Feature

Segun Ojolowo emerges as the new president of Ota Gravity Foundation

Published

5 months ago

June 20, 2024

Ayodele Oshamokun

Hon. Segun Ojolowo-Ojuko has been elected as the new President of the prestigious Ota Gravity Foundation (OGF).

The election took place on Monday, June 17, 2024, in Ota, where Ojolowo-Ojuko assumed leadership from his predecessor, Mr. Biodun Adeniran, FCA.

In his acceptance speech, Hon. Ojolowo-Ojuko praised the leadership and dedication of the outgoing Executive Council led by Mr. Adeniran and pledged his unwavering commitment to advancing the foundation’s mission.

He called on all members to support him in achieving the foundation’s goals while preserving its legacy.

The newly elected Executive Council members include:

Hon. Segun Ojolowo-Ojuko – President
High Chief Basirat Abimbola Abina – Vice President 1 (Nigeria)
Arc. Waliu Olaiwola Salako – Vice President 2 (Diaspora)
Yeye Kemi Adeogun – Social/Publicity Secretary
Alhaji Wasiu Lawal – Treasurer
Hon. Kola Salako – Secretary

The Ota Gravity Foundation is a prominent philanthropic organization in Ota, comprising distinguished members who have significantly contributed to the community through various developmental initiatives.

Notable members include Ogun Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, lawyer and Islamic scholar Sheikh Alli Daudu, High Chief Olarenwaju Bashorun (Seriki Otta), and many others.

In his inaugural speech, President Ojolowo-Ojuko stated, “As a human, I can only assure you of my commitment and best efforts in pushing the foundation forward beyond where I found it. I believe the foundation needs to be redirected towards more engagements in the areas of social and financial sustainability.

“Our financial commitments are not encouraging, and I am not an exception. Our social engagement has been quite low, and I hope to improve it. Our membership needs to be more flexible to accommodate committed individuals as the constitution permits.

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“All ongoing projects will be a priority for completion within a short period of time.”

He thanked all members for their support and trust, asserting, “With the team I am working with, Ota Gravity Foundation, if not the most successful and best in Ota, it will be one of the best in the nearest future.”

Hon. Ojolowo-Ojuko also expressed gratitude to the Board of Trustees, including Chair Aare Ayodele Bankole, Dr. (DCP) Lateef Ahmed, Mr. Kunle Somorin, Oluwo Ganiyu Dada-Obanibasiri, and Engr. Temitayo Idowu, for ensuring a seamless transition.

He announced that a date for the inauguration ceremony will be revealed soon.

Entertainment

Sarah Doxa inspires congregation with heavenly performance at CCC PraiseVille

Published

6 months ago

June 17, 2024

Ayodele Oshamokun

Renowned gospel singer Sarah Doxa delivered a soul-stirring rendition of CCC Hymn 257 during Empowerment Sunday at CCC PraiseVille. Her powerful performance resonated deeply with worshippers, creating an atmosphere filled with spiritual fervor and inspiration.

Sarah Doxa’s rendition of the hymn captivated everyone present, evoking a profound sense of God’s presence. Her melodious voice and heartfelt delivery uplifted hearts and minds, making the worship experience truly divine.

CCC PraiseVille, known for its vibrant worship services and nurturing spiritual environment, provided the perfect backdrop for Sarah Doxa’s remarkable performance. The congregation was moved by her talent and dedication to spreading the message of faith through music.