By Uduak Etim
The Kogi State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr. Femi Oshungbohun, has commended Corps Member Toluwaloju Victoria Oluwatosin for her outstanding community development initiative, which empowered over 800 students with educational materials and cash support.
Toluwaloju, through her transformative “Future Forward Project,” made a significant impact on youth development in Kogi State. The project, which concluded on March 26, 2025, at Crowther Memorial College Hall, Lokoja, provided sanitary pads to female students, cash support, and educational materials such as school bags, exercise books, biros, and mathematical sets.
A total of 887 students from five schools, including the School of the Deaf in Lokoja, benefited from the initiative.
The project also featured an inter-secondary school debate competition involving six schools: UBE LGEA Holy Trinity, Al Ansar Secondary School, GYB Model Science Secondary School, Crowther Memorial College, Muslim Community Secondary School, and Bishop Delisle College.
The debates addressed pressing national issues such as agricultural self-sufficiency, youth ethics and responsibility, and social media’s role in youth development. Bishop Delisle College emerged as the overall winner with 51 points, while GYB Model Science School secured second place with 41 points. The winning school received a cash prize of N100,000, while the second and third positions received N50,000 and N30,000, respectively. Consolation prizes, including cash and educational materials, were also presented to all participating schools.
Speaking at the event, Oshungbohun described the project as an exemplary Community Development Service (CDS) initiative, emphasizing its alignment with the NYSC’s mission to positively impact communities.
“The NYSC exists to make an impact on communities, and when we see corps members like Tosin Toluwaloju making a difference, we are reminded that our efforts are not in vain,” Oshungbohun said.
In his keynote address, Special Adviser on Media to the Kogi State Governor, Hon. Ismaila Isa, praised the initiative as a foundation for future leadership and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting educational initiatives.
Hon. Monday A. Ayebe, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, represented by the Director of Youth and Sports, Mrs. Babatunde Josephine, described the project as a reflection of the potential of young leaders and encouraged youths to actively participate in community development.
The event received significant support from various organizations, including Grace FM, ROCA Media, Akoni Care Foundation, David Akinyemi School of Thought, GED Foundation, Lugard TV, Girl Pro Africa, and Goonite International Lagos.
Mr. Simbabi Ogbeha, Managing Director of Confluence Cable Network, commended Toluwaloju’s dedication, describing the project as a beacon of hope for the state’s youth. Prof. Abubakar Mohammed of Federal University Lokoja also lauded the initiative, emphasizing its potential to inspire critical thinking and leadership among students.
In her remarks, Toluwaloju expressed gratitude to her supporters, including NYSC officials, sponsors, school authorities, and fellow corps members, for their invaluable support in making the project a success.
The NYSC Kogi leadership has expressed intentions to use the project as a model for future CDS initiatives, emphasizing its positive impact on educational development and youth empowerment.
