THE ROLE OF CORPS MEMBERS IN LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND ASPIRATION FOR GREATER NIGERIA

Corps members are set of Nigerian youths who had just concluded their higher education and are thus on national service to their fatherland. Usually corp members are posted to another part of the country different from their immediate environment or tribal region for the purpose of national integration and development. The corps members are being coordinated by the national youth service scheme. And the scheme was established by decree No. 24 of 22^nd May 1973 with a view to the proper encouragement and development of common ties among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity. For the record, NYSC is a great, lofty initiative and kudos to the conspirator.

However, in achieving the aspiration for better Nigeria and leadership development, corp members has many roles to play – these roles to a critical mind are not burdensome so long there is a will and dedication.

A ubiquitous saying asserts that ‘’ there is no bad tribe only bad people’’! Therefore with an open mind devoid of prejudice, corp members must ensure cross-mingling and constant interplay amongst themselves and with host communities in the course of their several activities as these has the capacity to clear misinformation and misguided perception about people from another region and thus aid inter-tribal cohesion and understanding

. Cohesion and understanding meanwhile, pave way for mutual trust - in this case a mutual trust is built across ethnic bloc of Nigeria and this when sustained will bring about solid social integration and long standing development.

According to Professor Karl Deutsh, ‘’a nation is said to be made when her people become indistinguishable physically, linguistically or even culturally’’. That is, the bulk of her population shares parallel or perhaps intercepting values and identity. Having said this, it follows, then, that corps members should as a rule of thumb ensure deep and open interaction with their host communities for the purpose of cross- cultural assimilation and appreciation.

 Whereas love cum affection knows no tribe, corps members should open their heart to love or genuine advances and allow for inter-tribal marriage as this will go a long way in fashioning an indeed ONE NIGERIA. Inter-ethnic marriage is the most potent tool in entrenching a common national consciousness. It might interest one to know that if the concept of inter-tribal marriage is observed, of which corps members must lead the way, ethnic suspicion and socio-political mistrust will be annihilated in due time. The aforementioned can be considered as the role of corps members in social development.

There is also an economic side to the role of corps members in leadership and nation-building.

First and foremost, corps members must sincerely and passionately participate in community development service (CDS). Since the CDS is impressioned to add value to the society, it must interest corps members deeply – CDS group such as Anti-Hiv, gender vanguard, anti- drug among others are very vital thus corps members must imbibe and advocate their intended ideals. Corps members must also observe their host community critically with a view to help providing a need.

Despite the fact that Corps members commands a great respect from the society, it is disenchanting to know that corpers are not taking this advantage to aid their host community. Banking on the fact that they can use their khaki to get sponsors rather easily, personal projects that will provide basic amenities such as borehole, public toilets, town house e.t.c for their host community should be pursued and achieved by corps members. It is gladdening to know that by contributing ones quota to a community, one will have perhaps unwittingly register the desire for participatory governance in the minds of the community people. This will save the government the money that would have been injected into providing such amenities and campaigning for participatory governance in such community – and in some cases some communities are so remote that getting government intervention will be an herculean task – therefore corps members involve in such community project would have done a great service to the aspiration for greater Nigeria. Also corps members must be diligent in their place of primary assignment: this will invariably increase national productivity.

Also banking on the fact that corps members enjoy a great audience, corpers should involve themselves in campaigns that borders on value and value re-orientation, most particularly in their communities. Meanwhile to make absolute impact, they must themselves in craft and strength of character epitomize good conduct, integrity, brotherhood, selflessness, dedication and industry. This however, in no small measure will develop the political and leadership culture of Nigeria. In ensuring free and fair election, corps members use as election officials must remain uncompromising and absolutely neutral!

Corp members should, as a matter of responsibility network, communicate, imbibe and share leadership capabilities with fellow corps members and also impact her organization with her inbuilt cum acquired leadership dexterity. By so doing the corp member will be developing her capacity as a Nigerian, ditto that of her organization and community – the implication of this will be improved national productivity and consequently greater Nigeria.

It has been said an umpteenth time that the albatross standing in the way to attaining the aspiration for greater Nigeria is selfishness – that is lack of leadership – thus, corps members must as a matter of expediency start to live an exemplary life devoid of selfishness, corruption and parochial inclinations. However, as they live by example, they also must preach this to their fellow, their organization and community with enthralling vigor.