In the grand tapestry of life, there are individuals whose contributions go beyond the ordinary, leaving a lasting impact on those they encounter. These individuals embody a life of service, dedication, and compassion, making a difference in the lives of others. One such remarkable person is Hajiya Walida Saddique, who recently retired as the Director of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Nigeria.

Hajiya Walida’s retirement from the NYSC marks not just the end of a distinguished career but also the celebration of a life that has touched thousands, if not millions, of lives. Her journey through the public service system was defined by commitment, leadership, and an unwavering belief in the power of youth empowerment and national service. Her remarkable contributions were recently honored by the Community Youth Mobilization Society (CYMS), a dedicated youth organization in Nigeria focused on transforming the lives of young Nigerians through education, mentorship, and community service. To celebrate her impactful career, CYMS sponsored a dinner night in her honor on September 27, 2024.
A Lifelong Commitment to Service

Throughout her career, Hajiya Walida Saddique remained a beacon of hope and transformation for the youth of Nigeria. She understood that the NYSC, more than just a mandatory service year for graduates, was an opportunity for young Nigerians to foster unity, develop skills, and contribute to national development.

Under her stewardship, the NYSC embraced innovative initiatives that expanded the program’s reach and effectiveness. She advocated for reforms that focused on youth development, skill acquisition, and entrepreneurship, empowering corps members to become self-reliant and job creators. Her leadership was instrumental in guiding many young Nigerians on the path to personal and professional growth.
A Trailblazer for Women in Leadership

Hajiya Walida’s rise to the position of NYSC Director also symbolized the growing presence and influence of women in leadership roles in Nigeria. As a woman in a high-ranking government position, she was an inspiration to many young girls and women who aspired to break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated society. Her dedication to mentoring and supporting young female professionals was a testament to her belief in equality and empowerment.

She championed initiatives within the NYSC that focused on gender equality, ensuring that female corps members received the same opportunities and support as their male counterparts. Her efforts created a more inclusive and supportive environment for young Nigerian women to excel and thrive in various fields.
A Legacy of Unity and National Service

One of Hajiya Walida’s most celebrated achievements was her ability to foster unity among the diverse groups that make up Nigeria. She recognized the NYSC’s unique role in bringing together graduates from different ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds to serve in parts of the country they may never have visited. Her leadership emphasized the importance of national unity, understanding, and collaboration.

During her tenure, the NYSC became a platform for cross-cultural learning, and corps members were encouraged to embrace the rich diversity of Nigeria. Through various community development projects, health campaigns, and educational initiatives, the NYSC under Hajiya Walida’s guidance contributed significantly to the progress of rural and underserved communities.
A Celebration of Impact and Dedication

The retirement of Hajiya Walida Saddique is not just a farewell to a public servant but a celebration of a life dedicated to impact. Those who impact lives, like Hajiya Walida, are remembered long after they leave the spotlight. Her legacy in the NYSC will continue to inspire future generations of Nigerians, encouraging them to embrace the values of service, unity, and empowerment.

Hajiya Walida was recently honored by CYMS, which recognizes and celebrates individuals dedicated to the upliftment and empowerment of Nigeria's youth. This acknowledgment from such a vital organization underscores the widespread respect and gratitude for her contributions to the nation. The dinner night celebration sponsored by CYMS on September 27, 2024, was a testament to her influence and the admiration she garnered throughout her career.

As she transitions into the next chapter of her life, Hajiya Walida’s contributions will remain a source of pride and admiration for all who had the privilege of working with her. She has shown that when we dedicate ourselves to the betterment of others, we not only transform their lives but also create a lasting legacy of service and excellence.

Indeed, whoever impacts lives will be celebrated, and Hajiya Walida Saddique’s story stands as a testament to this truth. Through her work, she has left an indelible mark on the NYSC and on the nation, reminding us all that true leadership is not about titles or positions but about the positive change we bring to the world around us.

CYMS's DG, CHIEF OBINNA NWAKA INDUCTED AS A FELLOW.

On Saturday 14th September 2024, Chief Obinna Nwaka @obinna1nwaka the Director General, Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS) was inducted as a Fellow into the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria.

The induction, according to this Governing Board is in line with their satisfaction, his admission and recognition of competence in administrative function, leadership strategies and outstanding performance as an Administrator.

He was recognized and received a plaque of Honor and certificate during the 2024 3rd Quarter Management Conference in Abuja.

The theme of the conference where the induction took place is "Mastering the Art of Professionalism in a modern organization"

The newly inductee, Chief Obinna Nwaka utilized same opportunity to thank his fellow, Chief Sylvanus Okonkwo, the Chief of Staff to Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Haja Aisha Ibrahim Head of Advocacy & Public Enlightenment at EFCC HQ for being part of the great accomplishment.

During his interview, he expressed gratitude to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, promised to replicate what has been learnt and wished other Fellows well in their respective endeavors.

The CYMS's Director General, Chief Obinna Nwaka is well known for his administrative prowess and the entire members rejoice with him on this great achievement as a Fellow of a renowned Institute.

He was accompanied to the conference by his Special Assistant, Amb Nuhu Akurugba.

On the occasion of the International Youth Day, Chief Obinna Nwaka, Director General of the Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS), has called on Nigerian youth, both domestically and in the diaspora, to unite in their commitment to national development and peaceful coexistence.

In a statement delivered in Abuja, Nwaka highlighted the importance of resilience, hard work, and dedication as fundamental to overcoming the challenges currently faced by young people, including unemployment and insecurity. Reflecting on the recent nationwide protests, he emphasized the need for youth to remain steadfast and to trust in the efforts of the administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

"The Federal Government is actively addressing the root causes of the recent protests and the ongoing economic challenges," Nwaka stated. "Initiatives such as the provision of CNG buses, the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, financial autonomy for local governments, and the recent passage of Development Commission bills are steps in the right direction."

He urged the youth and Nigerians to engage with and support government policies while holding their state governments accountable for project implementation and fund allocation. "Ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach the grassroots is essential to reduce rural-urban migration, insecurity, and unemployment in our rural communities," he added.

Nwaka commended the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shetimma, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, for their collaborative efforts in addressing the country’s economic and political challenges. He also recognized the Ministers for Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and Information and National Orientation, Alh Mohammed Melagi, for their prompt engagement with youth during the recent protests.

Chief Obinna Nwaka appealed to President Tinubu to ensure that more young Nigerians are granted opportunities for political appointments and meaningful engagement in policy formulation. "It is crucial that the youth feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to contribute their quota towards the nation's development," he asserted.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has promised to stand by President Bola Tinubu for a second tenure, considering the infrastructural legacy projects he carried out across the country in just one year in office.

The SGF made the commitment while speaking at a stakeholders meeting on the proposed road alignment in Nassarawa State on Friday.

Represented by his Senior Technical Adviser, Prof Babatunde Bolaji Bernard, the SGF commended the President Bola Tinubu-led administration for what he described as visible achievements in road projects not only in the northern part of Nigeria but across the country in a year.

He described the combination of President Tinubu and Dave Umahi, Minister works who has proven himself in infrastructural development in Ebonyi State as excellent and a blessing for Nigeria, stating that the duo will bring the national road networks to standard.

He also highlighted some of the proposed road alignment for the 477KM Legacy Project of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu namely, the spur of Lagos - Porthharcout - Calabar Coastal highway crossing, Enugu/Abakaliki/Ogoja / (Trans Sahara Trade route) from Cross Rivers - Ebonyi - Benue - Kogi - Nassarawa - Abuja (95KM of the segment of the Nassarawa State, 11KM segment of the Kogi State, 66 KM segment of the Benue State, and 12 KM segment of the Apo - Karu (FCT).

He urged all the Governors of the North Central to support the President and the Minister to deliver those dividends of democracy to our people.

Speaking further, the SGF thanked the President for bringing to life a plan made by the colonial masters. He stated that only a President who believes in development by first developing critical Infrastructure could embark on such a huge legacy project in the country.
Senator Akume on behalf of the people of the North Central part of the country appreciated the President for bringing the project to Nassarawa and promised to support him if he desires to run for another tenure.

He however encouraged Nigerians to be patient, assuring them that they would soon see the country of their dreams.

Other notable personalities at the stakeholders meeting were some State Governors from the North Central, Alhaji Usman Ododo of Kogi State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, Engr Abdullahi Sule of Nassarawa State, Senator Tanko Al-Makura, other important personalities present at the stakeholders meeting were the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, former APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu among others.

The Director General, Committee of Youths on Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS) Chief Obinna Nwaka has reaffirmed the commitment to supporting the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria.

Nwaka made the pledge when he led his team on a courtesy visit to the EFCC Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede on Friday in Abuja.

He said that the meeting was to orientate Nigerian youths against vote buying, cyber crimes and other systemic corruption degrading the integrity of the nation.

He also said that the meeting was part of efforts to sanitise the society and rid it from crimes and other related vices.

He emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration between the two organisations while highlighting the necessity of addressing core issues that aligned with the visions and mandates of both agencies.

Nwaka described EFCC as the only commission that could checkmates the leaders and politicians.

According to him, we recognise that the EFCC cannot combat corruption alone, and we are committed to contributing to the fight against corruption, particularly cybercrime, vote buying among others.

“We want to work with the commission to ensure our dear country is totally free from corruption.

“You have a very good initiative and reforms. One of such is how our Naira has gained strength. This naira represents the new National anthem.

“We want to tell you that we are not standing in brotherhood alone, but against corruption and all
Other related crimes to be curbed.

“We want to thank you for securing the future of the Nigerian youths and even the future of our un born children and generation to come.

“We want to appeal to you to take the campaign against vote buying serious so that we can checkmate the scourge,”

The CYMS DG commended the commission for being fair in their judgements adding that CYMS had been beneficial of the good service delivery through the diligence service from AMCON Desk headed by Mr Bawa KALTINGO and the AFF 1 department at Zonal office.

Nwaka assured the commission of CYMS continuous support even to the grassroots adding that organisation was committed to working with the EFCC in ensuring that the commission achieves its mandate.

Responding, the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede commended the organisation for its interest in complementing the commission’s efforts in ridding the country of corruption.

Olukoyede affirmed the commission’s dedication to collaborating with CYMS to fulfilling the respective mandates and contributions to the Federal government’s strategic plan to advance Nigeria.

“Thank you for all you do for Nigeria particularly the area of sensitising the youths. What we are doing in EFCC is the mandate to have a better Nigeria.

“Let us collaborate the more. We will not relent on the good work. So it is important to give this mandate collaboration and support.

“We also want Nigerians to support us and not allow our youths to derailed. There is no future in cyber crime,”he said.

The EFCC chairman decorated all the CYMS delegations as EFCC anti- corruption ambassadors.

Other delegates decorated are Hajia Aisha Ibrahim Baiyee, Comrade Kelechi Ugwumba, Maryam Ilaysu Gwarso, Hon Linda Dirisu, Mr Adeyemi Boluwaji, Hon Tayo Agbaje, Miss Ruth Eluu, Sarah Nkwocha, Nuhu Akuragba and Ibironke Ariyo.

On Wednesday 26th June 2024, CYMS paid an advocacy visit to the Yakubu Gowon House, Maitama Abuja the headquarters of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC).

The delegation led by the Director General, Chief Obinna Nwaka @obinna1nwaka offered the team an opportunity to present a gold medal of an Anglican Ambassador and also an award of Excellence Performance on Public Service to Hajia Walida Saddique Isa, the Director, Corps Mobilization.

The awardee who was absent during the just concluded CYMS 2024 National Conference in collaboration with the Presidency, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation held on 7th June 2024 is a Gombe born detribalized Nigerian and a prudent public servant with character worthy of emulation.

The presentation was witnessed by few staff from the Corps Mobilization department, other Directors from the NYSC headquarters, while some delegation from CYMS such as Hon Tayo Tola Agbaje the Political Advisor, Adeyemi Qudus Boluwaji, Director Logistics, Mr Kelechi Ugwumba, the Director Contacts and Mobilization, Ruth Eluu Head of Volunteer and Mrs Ibironke Ariyo from Media Department were also present during the occasion.

According to CYMS's DG, Chief Obinna Nwaka, the award and recognition is deserving and in line with the policy thrust of the organization to identify few Nigerians who are dedicated towards duties, proven evidence in youth and national development.

In conclusion, the honour is a well deserved recognition in appreciation for her dedication, detribalized nature of life and a mentor to many Nigerians.

Congratulations to one of us on his appointment

It is my pleasure to congratulate, Hon Shehu Atta from Kogi State on his recent appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a Govering Council Member, Federal College of Education Ondo State.

Hon Shehu Atta is a Committed and hardworking youth leader presently serving as SSA Youth to the Government of Kogi State.

His participation and unwavering support towards CYMS can't be overemphasized.

My advice to all CYMS members, take every opportunity you have to be responsible, CYMS is a place to advance your political career and no sacrifice is a waste.

Congratulations and I am sure he won't disappoint us

Chief Obinna Nwaka
DG CYMS.

CYMS PARTICIPATED AT THE UNITED NATIONS YOUTH PROGRAM

Today, Thursday 20th June 2024, the CYMS's Director General, Chief Obinna Nwaka @Obinna1nwaka joined other Stakeholders in Youth Development to participated at the National Consultative Youth Forum on the Summit of the Future.

The summit which was organized by the United Nations (UN) held at the UN House Conference Auditorium Abuja, also had the presence of Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim as the Special Guest of Honour.

The Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS) congratulates the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, His Excellency, Senator George Akume on the successful 25th Democracy Day celebration and also appreciate him for the support towards the implementation of the CYMS 2024 National Conference in collaboration with the Presidency Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) @officialosgf

CYMS Director General, Chief Obinna Nwaka @obinna1nwaka made this appreciation when he met Senator George Akume at the Democracy Parade Ground at the Eagle Square Abuja on 12th June 2024.

According to him, the support, encouragement and audience granted by the SGF during courtesy visit in preparation of the conference made it possible for the implementation of the national conference.

He also thanked the Permanent Secretary GSO office, Dr Maurice Mbaeri and also Mr Segun Imohiosen the Director Information for their encouragement.

Today, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume received the delegation of our organization.

The visit aimed at reaffirming the organization's commitment to the Presidency, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation apart from the forthcoming CYMS National Conference which was endorsed by the SGF to be in person as the Special Guest of Honor of the event.

From the OSGF office, other staff present during the visit were the Permanent Secretary, GSO, Dr Maurice Mbaeri who commended the CYMS for its steadfastness, resilience and committed to its mandate since the organization's engagement under the SGF office while encouraged by Mr Segun Imohiosen the Director, Information for the grassroots sensitization and awareness program using effective media reportage.

The CYMS Director General, Chief Obinna Nwaka @obinna1nwaka while appreciating Sen Akume the SGF, described him as a role model, father and mentor during presentation of concept document for endorsement.

Other CYMS officials during meeting were, Hajia Baiyee Ibrahim, Director Finance, Mr Kelechi Ugwumba, Contacts & Mobilization, Prince Boluwaji Qudus Adeyemi, Director Logistics, Hon Tayo Agbaje, Political Adviser, Abiola Gbadebo, Zaid,  Ruth Eluu, etc

The Imo State chapter of our great organization led Mr Daniel Olegeme on 31st March, 2024 honoured Chief (Sir) Tony Chukwu with the award of excellent leadership and Imo state patron.

Described the recognition as an appreciation of Chief Tony Chukwu's outstanding developmental strides on youth development and empowerment in Imo State and Nigeria at large.

The CYMS Ehime Mbano Coordinator, Comr. Nwaodu Felix who moderated the historic event, introduced the CYMS Executives and their members which highlight of the occasion was the presentation of CYMS face caps, muffler, the copy of the program of the forthcoming 2024 CYMS national conference in Abuja on may 16th and 17th 2024, and also a copy of Statesman Newspaper containing the CYMS congratulatory message to the Imo State Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma and the Certificate of Excellent leadership/Patron of CYMS, Imo State chapter to the Mbano born billionaire Chief (Sir.) Tony Chukwu by the coordinator Comr. Daniel Olegeme.

In his response, the brand new Patron expressed his satisfaction with the activities of the Imo State Chapter in complementing government activities in state, and thanked them for honouring him with the prestigious award while assuring them of his steadfastness and unflinching support.

The visit was graced by CYMS's State Executive members, the three senatorial zonal executives, some LGA and Ehime Mbano LGA chapter.

Today, we joined the world and Nigerians at large to celebrate the 2024 birthday anniversary of our amiable President, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR @officialasiwajubat

It is with joy in our heart and the prospect of the Nigerian state we rejoice with you and to wish you all the best in your Renewed Hope Administration as you forge ahead to make this place a better place for the future and younger Nigerians.

Happy birthday from CYMS
Wishing you many happy returns.

Chief Obinna Nwaka
DG, CYMS