Corper Sodiq, who came to serve in my school, Igangan Community Grammar School, Igangan-Ijesha, in 2017, is the best thing I ever experienced with the NYSC scheme.
I knew my capability as one of the best students in school, but my weakness, in terms of financial capability, outweighed any kind of positivity I could see ahead.
Brother Sodiq is the first person to ever believe in my desire to further my study.
I mean, he is the very first person to give me this support when I was in SSS3.
He schooled in Babcock, one of the expensive universities in Nigeria. I assumed he came from a wealthy background. He liked to go out with me, to visit places, villages and factories in neighbouring communities.
Current Project: History of Amuye Faforiji, 1905 to 1960 by Tadese Faforiji
It was May 2017, two months to our valedictory service in school when I summoned courage to ask him for advice. Deep down, I hoped for a financial miracle—a big sum to cover my fees or a promise of some kind. What I got was even better: his assurance and commitment to support me.
He told me to go ahead and promised his support. Bro Godwin, another Corps member who was in Igangan too made sure I never lose hope. Bro Godwin has the sweetest mouth (let me put it this way.
I could envision myself as a graduate with a high CGPA, even when my circumstances seemed bleak. One thing I love about him, he always let me know there are thousands of students in school who are not even as smart, diligent and intelligent as I am.
I am a product of NYSC! This scheme changed my life. These two corpers made sure I got my JAMB form, got admission and even supported me in paying my fees.
The NYSC scheme may have its challenges, but for me, it represents true service—a platform that allowed me to pursue my dreams and inspired me to give back to others.
It can be stressful, but participating in the NYSC scheme is the real service to me, a means I can also give back to the nation. I want to use my life to explore and support people like me!
Epe Lagos – Tadese Faforiji – Why I Don’t Like Taking Pictures with Sculptures and Statues
All my 2017 messages on Facebook were all about wishes, wants and emotional messages to lot of people asking them for support.
You either fight your head up and excel or you lose hope and wait for death to come. Either way, the world will lose no value anyway.
I already accepted my fate, to finish my valedictory service and probably find a work to do or begin farming in its real form. The real deal I always tried to avoid, partnering with operators, cutting timber, loading and all sorts. This is a whole disaster I passed through to be “responsible”
It’s now my turn to give back—to find diligent students like the Tadese of Igangan in 2017, and to be their hope, showing them that their environment and struggles cannot define their future unless they allow it.
Today, as I wear my NYSC uniform, I carry the legacy of Brother Sodiq and Brother Godwin with me. Every step I take in service is a tribute to their selflessness and unwavering belief in me.
I owe this privilege to Allah and to these heroes who transformed my life during one of its most critical moments. They never grew weary of my endless requests, messages, and calls.
Now, it’s my turn to pass it forward.
God bless Nigeria
WE – ONE!
My FB post on my NYSC Experience – Tadese Faforiji
Who is Tadese Faforiji? – Find Out
