NYSC MEMBERS IN ONDO REDUCED TO PUBLIC CLEANERS
In Ondo State, a disheartening situation has emerged for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), particularly those stationed at the orientation camp in Akoko Northeast Local Government, Ikare Akoko. Reports indicate that these corps members have been unfairly relegated to the role of public cleaners, tasked with cleaning the campgrounds in what is described as an abusive manner.
The affected corps members are primarily those posted to Akoko Northeast Local Government, where the state’s NYSC orientation camp is located. Upon the arrival of new batches of Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) or following the conclusion of orientation exercises, these corps members are arbitrarily assigned to clean up the campgrounds.
This practice has become customary, with corps members compelled to abandon their regular duties, including Community Development Service (CDS) activities, to undertake cleaning tasks. Divided into groups, they are tasked with sweeping the hostels, pavilions, and other communal areas, grappling with the aftermath of each influx of new PCMs or post-orientation activities.
The pervasive nature of this exploitation has led some corps members to question the motives behind such actions. Many wonder whether the camp officials lack adequate funding for the employment of dedicated cleaning staff, or if there are other factors at play driving this unjust treatment.
The impact of this situation extends beyond the physical labor involved. Corps members find themselves grappling with a sense of injustice and disillusionment, as their aspirations for personal and professional growth are overshadowed by the burden of unpaid labor thrust upon them. The inherent dignity of their service is compromised as they are reduced to mere cleaners, stripped of the respect and support they deserve.
At its core, this issue speaks to broader systemic challenges within the NYSC framework. It underscores the need for greater accountability and transparency in the allocation of resources and the treatment of corps members. The NYSC, envisioned as a platform for fostering national unity and development, must not lose sight of its core values in the face of such challenges.
Efforts to address this issue must begin with a comprehensive review of the factors contributing to the exploitation of corps members as cleaners. Adequate funding and logistical support should be allocated to ensure the effective operation of orientation camps, thereby relieving corps members of burdensome tasks that detract from their primary objectives.
Moreover, mechanisms must be put in place to hold accountable those responsible for the welfare of corps members. This includes camp officials, government authorities, and other stakeholders involved in the administration of the NYSC program. By fostering a culture of accountability and respect, the NYSC can reaffirm its commitment to the ideals of service, patriotism, and national development.
The plight of NYSC members in Ondo serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality within Nigerian society. It is imperative that all stakeholders work together to address the root causes of this exploitation and ensure that the promise of the NYSC remains untarnished for generations to come.
SaharaReporters
