Why I established e-library in Sokoto community — NYSC member

The inspiring life of legendary Nana Asmau, daughter of renowned Sheikh Usman Dan Fodiyo has remained a reference point centuries after.

Nana Asma’u described variously as a teacher, poet, scholar, and social reformer, among others, accentuated education and women emancipation.

For many, such as Asma’u Hamisu, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC ) member serving in Sokoto, the heroine who lived for 71 years (1793-1863) serves  as a motivation and inspiration.

Spurred by her role model’s contribution to humanity, the corps member who is serving at Sultan Abdurrahman School of Health Technology Gwadabawa, Sokoto State established an e-library and renovated female toilets at the institution.

Asma’u who studied Human Anatomy, also organized breast cancer and cervical cancer sensitisation programme for secondary school students in Gwadabawa town.

Six hundred thirty-five students participated.

Besides, the corps member  held  a programme on the importance of girl child education and female hygiene during which she distributed 50 pieces sanitary pad,50 exercise books,100 tissue papers, and 300 copies of flyers on signs and symptoms of cervical cancer written in both Hausa and English languages.

“Nana Asmau is my role model.

“I read a lot about her.

“I felt why  can’t I be like her, why can’t I touch the lives of people that I am with, that’s what motivated me to embark on the projects.”

On why she chose to establish an e-library, she revealed: “I decided to embark on the project because lack of the facility.

“It is what modern society needs.

“We need to improve on our level of education; we should not rely only on the textbook, we have to upgrade and have e-resources.”

Asmau’s biggest challenge was funding as she could not get anyone from the community and local government area to sponsor the projects.

However, it was Uhuru when she eventually got sponsors from Sokoto, the state capital.

At the launch of the e-library project, District Head of Gwadabawa, Mallam Lawal Zayyanu extoled the efforts of the corps member.

The traditional leader who was represented by Magajin Garin Gwadabawa, Alhaji Bello Buhari noted the projects as laudable and valuable.

Also, Chairman of Gwadabawa Local government area, Alhaji Aminu Aya represented by Mallam Abba Rilwanu expressed the council’s appreciation for the gesture.

He urged other corps members to emulate the initiative.

Other speakers noted Asmau’s commitment and zeal to contribute positively to her host community and applauded her for the accomplishments.

Sokoto NYSC Coordinator, Mr.Philip Enaberue who was represented by the NYSC Zonal Inspector Mr Joshua Mutuwa stated: “In NYSC, we are always appreciative when we see corps members trying everything possible to integrate with their host communities.”

He noted community development service as a cardinal programme of NYSC.

“You cannot know the existence of NYSC if community development service is removed.”

“In NYSC, we encourage corps members not to leave their host community the way they met it, it’s wrong.

“In NYSC much is expected from whom nothing is given.”

He, however, pointed out: “the corps members are always quick to remind our host communities that these are the problems they have seen and want to stand in the gap.

“NYSC does not allow corps members to use their money to sponsor projects.

“Spirited members of the host communities should sponsor projects.”

“That means members of the host communities must be interested and would be happy to say yes you have reminded us, you have told us our problem, and we are ready to contribute.”

Also NYSC Gwadabawa Local Government  Inspector Mr Samaila Abubakar underscored the importance of projects such as the ones Asma’u executed in the communities.

He however urged community leaders to encourage their people to sponsor projects.

“Many corps members have the ideas but that the people are not ready to sponsor them.”

Asma’u,a Kano State Indigene,  could not be happier that she has left her mark on her host community in Sokoto.

“I dedicate the project to Gwadabawa local government in general, and I did it to help my younger ones, especially the girl child in furthering their education,” she declared.