Corper success story: How a CDS group transformed Abuja school where pupils sit on bare floor

OGU Ewoma Joseph, was a National Youth Corper who completed his NYSC program on the 2^nd of November this year in Kubwa Zone, Abuja – FCT. He was the President of Wednesday Healthy Living CDS group. He discussed their great accomplishment in an interview with Sobowale Rasheed, how they transformed LEA Primary school, Rafin Deidei FCT, Abuja from a state where 70 Pupils sit on mats that cannot accommodate 30 Pupils comfortably in a dilapidated building, to a class any pupil would be anxious to learn.

 

How did you hear about the school’s dilemma?

Our predecessor who donated school chairs to the school invited our CDS officers during the handover; that was when and how we heard about the school’s sorry State.

 

Who funded the renovation, and if it was an external source, how were you able to source for such?

It was solely funded by me and some members of my CDS group. Some, Yes. About four of them but one, in particular, helped with the painting.

 

Why was it that it was some and not all of your group members that participated?

You know when you want all your CDS members to contribute to make it a group effort and they are not ready to make such sacrifice for the group; as a leader of such group, you have to take it upon yourself to see the project through. And luckily, I have few members willing to join in the game. Especially a guy, Ikenna F. Kamalu who we would work together on this project as late as 9pm most of the time.

 

That means after you are done with your PPA duties?

I was posted to a school, Jewel Model Schools and during the last month of my service year, I wasn’t assigned any duty, so I worked all day and the other guy joins by 2 or 3pm – a distance of 1-hour drive from his PPA.

 

How in particular did you felt when you were told and saw the state of the school?

My dear, you need to see where these poor kids of about 70 sit on bare floor mats that would never be enough for a class of 30. It was painful seeing these helpless poor kids sit in bare floor.

 

What is your view of Abuja, the FCT as a Corp Member?

Serving in Abuja, the FCT of Nigeria is very embarrassing. The PPAs here do not have respect or plans for Corps members. In Delta State where my Dad has been Principal of Secondary Schools, once a Corper arrive, my Dad would get them accommodation and basic needs like pots and mattress. But here in Abuja, I was initially posted to a cake and bread baking store in 3^rd Avenue Gwarinpa and was to be paid N12,000 monthly and would need to work from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday without any plan for accommodation. I had to reject the modern slavery scheme. A daycare school also offered me N2,000 monthly payment, 7am to 5pm; blood of God!

 

Did you try asking the school’s headmistress why the school is in its sorry state and who should be responsible for the renovation?

Yes! She said it is the responsibility of FCT Administration supposed to be led by Mohammed Musa Bello I suppose his name is. Though one block which is the administrative block was renovated after our project, the school is still in a sorry state. No toilet till now.

 

Seriously?! How do the pupils ease themselves then, any idea?

There is a fallen rest room they just pooh and wee in its surrounding close to a fallen building.

 

Where did you finally accepted to be you PPA?

I wanted a school closer to my Aunt’s place; since PPA providing accommodation is like a fowl urinating – very rare. Besides I wanted to have enough time to develop myself running SAED Programs and other professional Examinations.

 

Was your group awarded for your selfless service?

Nope! Who cares about you if you are not a big name child? We were not expecting anything for such though.

 

Your view of NYSC program?

The program is failing because its purpose is defeated. How can you drag someone half way around the world and do not care how they fare? It is very painful. Living with N19,800 anywhere is slavery and I know lots of Corps members who depend solely on this stipend and would still send some to folks at home, from this petty money. In Abuja, even your one year allowee is not enough to rent a toilet in some parts of Abuja. Corpers are not paid any stipend in most Federal Government Agencies aside their monthly allowee from the federal government..

What are the things NYSC could improve in its program in Abuja?

In Abuja, FCT administration should build Corpers lodge in all municipals and manage it by making Corpers pay like N5,000 monthly or so. Also the idea of you being posted to places like Defense College, National Assembly and places of like calibre. And you would get there only to be offered a rejection letter all because you don’t know should be stopped! My PPA was to reject me if not that the Proprietor was from my State (Delta-Ibo-Ogwashi) and was married to my tribe (Isoko).

 

Generally, what should NYSC improve in its program?

Generally, let NYSC be a skill acquisition program to encourage SMEs and let the program run for Six months and a fixed amount paid to successful members to start their business after the intensive Six months training. And the idea of collecting PCM online and still end up giving Corp members oversize is embarrassing.

 

Your CDS group name has always been changed over the years why?

It was formerly known as Environmental CDS group; later Sanitation CDS group and finally Wednesday Healthy Living CDS Group. The authorities said the name Sanitation sort of narrows the group’s functionality, so calling it Healthy Living makes it goes beyond just Environmental Sanitation, it enables us to adopt healthy living, eating, attitudes etc. into our mission.

 

Aside from this Project, what other commendable Project was executed by your group?

I led them to clean Kubwa market and educate the public on the use of hand sanitizers. We spoke to them in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Ibo and Yoruba. We also donated brooms and baskets to the market.

 

What is/are your hobby(ies), interest(s) and life aspiration?

My hobbies are cooking, travelling, listening to news, and reading. Interests are business, politics and philosophy. I am aspiring to be a top business tycoon and selfless leader.

 

A top business tycoon?! No wonder you studied Business Administration and Management and also proceeded to become Certified by Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) NIM.

Ogu Joseph is currently managing his catering business in his quest to become a top business tycoon.

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