Serving Corp Eradicates Open Defecation in Jos Community

By Faridat Salifu
In a truly inspiring act of service, Oluwagbemisola Blessing Oluwalola, a dedicated National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, has made a profound impact on the lives of students and the community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
By single-handedly constructing and commissioning four essential toilet facilities at the Local Education Authority Primary School in the Kunyi Katseh-Gwafan District (Lamingo), she has addressed a critical need that had persisted since the school’s establishment less than five years ago.
Operating without any sanitation facilities, the school had left both pupils and teachers vulnerable to the severe health risks associated with open defecation.
Oluwagbemisola’s initiative not only mitigates these risks but also aligns seamlessly with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to eliminate open defecation by 2030.
Her commitment to the well-being of the community exemplifies the spirit of the NYSC and demonstrates how one individual can effect real change.
But Oluwagbemisola’s contributions extend far beyond just building toilets. Recognizing the holistic needs of the pupils, she organized a deworming exercise that provided essential health benefits to the students, ensuring they can learn and grow in a healthier environment.
Additionally, she donated school uniforms to underprivileged children, helping to reduce the financial burden on families and promote a sense of dignity and equality among students.
Moreover, Oluwagbemisola took on the challenge of repairing a faulty borehole that serves as the community’s primary water source, ensuring that families have access to clean and safe water.
This critical improvement directly impacts health and sanitation in the area, further demonstrating her commitment to the community’s welfare.
Her achievements also include the provision of vital educational materials, a well-stocked first aid box, and a medical outreach program in the Kabong Community, where she has actively engaged in promoting health awareness.
In a touching gesture, she distributed birth kits to pregnant women at the Faith Alive Foundation, showcasing her dedication to maternal health and the well-being of future generations.
The commissioning ceremony for the new toilet facilities was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Job Izang, the Leader of the Legislative Arm of Jos North Local Government Council, along with traditional rulers, educators, and community members.
The attendees praised Oluwagbemisola for her selfless dedication and the significant improvements she has brought to the community’s health and education.
They called on NYSC authorities to recognize and reward her outstanding contributions, which serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others.
Oluwagbemisola Blessing Oluwalola’s remarkable achievements speak volumes about the power of individual initiative and compassion. Her story not only highlights the critical issues surrounding sanitation and health in communities but also exemplifies how one determined person can lead the charge in creating lasting change.