The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) once again proved its relevance to grassroots development as a medical corps member, Dr Edwin Ohuwofasa, donated borehole and toilet facilities to residents of Wassa community in Abuja.
In an interview with the LEADERSHIP Friday yesterday on the sidelines of the unveiling yesterday, the dental surgeon, currently serving at the National Hospital, said the initiative was born out of compassion after witnessing the dire living conditions in the community.
According to him, the project — supported by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, non-governmental organisations and private firms — was accompanied by a free dental outreach for residents of Wassa and five neighbouring communities.
“When I first visited Wassa, what I saw was heartbreaking. People, including children, fetched drinking water from muddy streams. Their boreholes had broken down, and they practised open defecation. I knew I had to intervene,” he said.
Ohwufasa explained that the intervention was made possible through the partnership of several sponsors, including the True Identity Foundation, Ilihan Foundation, Power Television Initiative, and Aspera Nigeria Limited, producers of Orake toothpaste.
The outreach, he said, provided free treatment for residents suffering from tooth decay, pain and other oral health challenges.
He added that the event was not limited to Wassa alone, as neighbouring communities were invited to benefit from the free dental care and hygiene sensitisation.
The young doctor admitted that the project was not without hurdles.
“There were bottlenecks, but some people saw my passion and joined in. I got several ‘no’s,’ but I turned them into ‘next options.’ That mindset helped me to find the right partners,” he said.
Also speaking, speaking on behalf of one of the sponsors, Aspirae Nigeria Limited, the company’s Abuja Branch Manager, Ajay Joseph, said the initiative aligned with their commitment to promoting health and hygiene in underserved communities.
“At Aspera, we believe that good health and hygiene are the foundation of a better life. We’re proud to support this effort by donating dental kits and promoting oral health among children and families,” Joseph said.
Okwufasa, who described the NYSC as “a beautiful scheme,” urged fellow corps members to use their service year as an opportunity to touch lives, learn, and contribute to national development.
“Wherever you’re posted, see it as an opportunity to make an impact. The NYSC uniform opens doors — use it to serve humanity,” he advised.
