Five prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps lost their lives tragically in an auto crash on Wednesday, along the Abaji/Kwali express way.
This was made known by the NYSC Director, Press and Public Relations, Adenike Adeyemo in a brief statement titled: “Black Wednesday for NYSC family.”
She said: “It is with a deep sense of sorrow that the Director-General, Management and the entire NYSC family commiserate with the families of five Prospective Corps Members that lost their lives in a ghastly motor accident at about 2 am today, Wednesday, 28th July 2021, along Abaji/Kwali Expressway
“Indeed, it has been a black Wednesday for the NYSC Family. May God grant the families and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. May their souls rest in peace.”
Now the big question is: How much more death?
There’s no doubt the scheme needs to be remodified following the unpleasant peculiar situations happening in the country. The spike in insecurity, kidnapping, banditry and terrorism are genuine reasons to go back to the drawing board.
With the current challenges, suspending the scheme won’t be out of place instead of wasting the lives of our precious youths.
This isn’t just “Black Wednesday” for NYSC, it’s a day that families and friends who lost loved ones to the crash won’t forget.
One can’t rule out the sole purpose of the scheme; as an individual who served and enjoyed the scheme, I will be lending my voice to a remodelling of the scheme.
There are better ways to build and develop the nation without risking one’s life. We can foster national unity and cohesion without having to die needlessly.