YOUTH CORPS MEMBERS FOR MARTIAL TRAINING

         National Youth Service Corps [NYSC] is a programnme created by General Yakubu Gowon administration in early 70s to bring about unity and togetherness among Nigerians especially after the civil war of 1967-1970. It is  compulsory for graduates of Nigerian universities and polytechnics to serve their fatherland for one year. The only exemption are over thirty years graduates and those that are sick. Pregnant and married women are always given concession to serve where their hubbies live for conveniences. The programme is fashioned out of those of American Uninformed Service Universities [USU] where graduates of medicine and medical sciences  help in health sector and National Military Service .
        Though countries like USA may be achieving their aim of establishing such youth service programmes but Nigeria is far from achieving such aims.Grauates here come out of school with uncertain tomorrow! The government even compound their problem with one year aimless youth service programme that lacks any clear-cut focus. They leave the camp to join the teeming unemployed graduates in the labour market thus contributing negatively to our economy. This is very discouraging!
     The introduction, by the NYSC Directorate in Ogun State , of martial arts training for corps members posted to the state and also followed by Anambra state Directorate has left much to be desired. Our government has jettisoned and dumped the primary aims of NYSC which are to promote the country's unity and to enhance cultural diversities, for concern for personal securities of members of this supposed-to-be-noble organisation. The powers-that-be know that the lives of these youths are not safe in their country where they are supposed to walk and live anywhere without let or hindrance.

    Why is it that a Nigerian is not free in his country? why should we have to result to means of self defence in the country we call our own? Some member of NYSC have been killed by either the community restive youth or the terrorist group called 'Boko Haram' especially in the Northern part of Nigeria. The only compensation given to their relatives was one million naira[about $6667 ] each for the loss of their loved ones. These people toiled to send their children to school from primary  to university level  before they were killed by their supposed-to-be-brothers while serving their fatherland . The mutual understanding and harmony that are the primary objectives of this programme is losing their values. Nigerians from different tribes and religion don't seem to be comfortable with one another.  Ethnic sentiment is now the order of the day. Nigeria is going to survive this her turbulent period and a patriotic citizen of this country should agree with me.