Sodiq Yusuf
ESTABLISHED in 1973 by the administration of former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, the National Youth Service Corps NYSC has been at the helm of engendering national unity, with corps members serving in different parts of the country, promoting the oneness and strength of the country, after the nation’s civil war.
Despite the challenges and repeated calls for the scrap of the scheme, it has continued to exhibit a lot of positives, as these fresh graduates are contributing their quota in no small measure to the growth and development of the country, through self-sustained efforts in their areas of primary assignment.
One of such positives which form why many still believe in the NYSC is the intervention of a corps member, Helen Sunday, who recently bowed out of service, at the Ofatedo Grammar School, Egbedore Local Government area of the State of Osun.
Sunday, a graduate of Mass Communication from Rivers State, renovated a block of six toilets at the school, which has been moribund for years.
Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, the ex-corps member stated that the project was borne out of her love for humanity.
She also noted that the need to ensure personal hygiene and a disease-free environment prompted her decision to embark on the project.
Sunday said: “I was posted to Olofa Grammar School, Ofatedo community, Egbedore local government, Osun State. I observed that students and staff relief themselves unhygienically in a nearby bush as a result of the deplorable state of the school’s toilet facility.
“One day, I was really in need to relive myself too, the moment I got to the usual place, I was frightened by an insect. So, I was inspired to embark on the toilet rehabilitation project.
“I chose to be a problem solver because I want to be remembered for my impact to humanity. When I got to the school, I was disappointed because I was expecting to see a big structure. I was praying in my heart for the principal to reject me but deep down, I knew God sent me there for a reason and I can’t change the will of God.”
She said she was able to execute the project from donations and support from well-meaning individuals and the host community.
Sunday, however, was full of gratitude to the management of Ofatedo Grammar School for giving her the opportunity to undertake such initiative.
“I feel so excited and fulfilled. I’m grateful to God Almighty for the successful completion of the project,” she said.
She told OSUN DEFENDER that she intends to setup a non-governmental organisation in the future to further her humanitarian efforts.
While speaking at the commissioning of the facility, the Principal, Ofatedo Grammar School, Mrs Popoola Rachael, appreciated Sunday for the project.
Mrs Popoola said the school will forever remember her as one of those who impacted it positively.
