Sequel to my article on 21 September 2019 titled “Corpers, where is your legacy?” where I painted the scenario of one corps member, David Oluwatobiloba Adeyemi who sacrificed his NYSC allowee to repair a long abandoned road in Oyo West, you would recall I urged other corps members to emulate the good deeds of Adeyemi. Today, there is another landmark feat recorded by a patriotic corps member who has since been making rounds on the social media for his philanthropic moves to put smiles on the faces of the future leaders of tomorrow.
It is widely believed by many that the failure of the leaders is the predicament of the followers but, in the case of Matthew Teru, the difference was indeed sensational and commendable.
The corps member who used the little resources available coupled with his skill to produce desks, tables, benches and shelves for the comfort of over 80 pupils in two public schools (St. Georges primary school and community secondary school, old Netim Akamkpa) in Cross River state respectively.
According to him, “I was motivated by the pitiable state of inadequate stationeries in the classroom. I have this skill before now, so, all I needed was the materials to be available for me to solve the problem.
“Also, I was motivated coupled with the fact that the students were exceptionally good and I don’t see reason why they should be neglected in terms of getting this special attention as future leaders of our great country.”
These were the powerful words coming from the Adamawa born Corper when asked on what motivated him to embark on the project.
It is no gainsay that many would have seen his deeds as ‘unprofitable enterprise’ but for Corper Stephen, it’s indeed a great opportunity to right the failures of the leaders who ought to have taken the civic onus to do the needful as at when deemed fit.
This reminds me of the great words of the 35th president of United States of America, John Kennedy, and I quote: “Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country”. Thus, it is expedient we must reflect on these words deeply if we truly long for a better and greater Nigeria where development would be more visible as supposed to what it is today. Remember when our leaders fail, it is our duty to make things right.
Your fellow compatriot,
– Arogbonlo Israel
gemid931@gmail.com
Corper Stephen Teru on national duty
