I faced a lot of challenges during my service year - Former IITA corper's president says

Editorial: Could you introduce yourself?

Akeem: My name is Odeyinka, Akeem Omotayo. I'm a corper serving at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), specifically in the GRC unit.

Editorial: How would you describe your service year? Were there any particular moments or experiences that stood out for you?

Akeem: My service year felt both long and short. It was a full year, yet it seems like it was just yesterday that we started. Now, it’s already coming to an end.

Editorial: You served as both the president of the IITA Corps Members Association and the Charity CDS group. How did you manage to balance these two leadership roles?

Akeem: I value selfless service, and the leadership training I received from my alma mater, the University of Ibadan, prepared me well. Balancing both roles was challenging, but I managed to juggle them effectively, thanks to the skills I learned in school.

Editorial: Can you share a significant challenge you faced as the IITA Corps President and how you overcame it?

Akeem: One major challenge was managing and guiding adults, as getting them to follow your advice can be overwhelming. However, I eventually found a way to unite everyone and work together as a family.

Editorial: What do you consider your greatest achievement as the Corps President?

Akeem: We achieved all our goals as the 16th Assembly. It was a collective success that exceeded my expectations. We organized numerous programs ranging from capacity building (Seminar symposium: Beyond service year), social and sports inclusiveness, youth engagements (Hot seat), and community engagements (Outreaches to schools and orphanage), like we actually achieved a lot of programs falling under those categories.

Editorial: How about your role as the President of the Charity CDS group? Were there any notable accomplishments during your tenure?

Akeem: Funding was a major challenge, but despite this, we successfully organized two significant programs: a school outreach at a secondary school in Moniya  and a market hygiene sensitization at Ojoo.

Editorial: There must have been tough times during your service year. What kept you going during those downtimes?

Akeem: Managing multiple tasks was stressful, but I held onto my "WHY" and kept pushing and told myself I CAN DO IT!. I learned to view downtime as a time to recharge and prepare myself to continue.

Editorial: What advice would you give to current and future corps members?

Akeem: Network with others and learn new skills, especially soft skills like using basic software. Don’t isolate yourself; engage with people and plan your time well.

Editorial: Do you have any advice for the incoming presidents of the IITA Corps Members Association and the Charity CDS group?

Akeem: For the new IITA president, continuity is key. Build on the legacy left by the previous administration and strive to do even better. For the Charity CDS president, learn to manage people effectively and also build on the existing legacy.

Editorial: If offered two million naira, would you consider returning for another NYSC year?

Akeem: No, I wouldn’t. NYSC is a stage in life that prepares you for the real world. I’d rather invest that money in a business.

Editorial: Is there one thing you think NYSC should improve on?

Akeem: The allowance should be increased, especially with inflation on the rise. Also, NYSC has made business registration easier (50% discount) and more affordable, which is great.

Editorial: Are you currently in a relationship?

Akeem: No, I’m not in a relationship or engaged, though I do have crushes. That’s personal, so I’ll keep it to myself.

Editorial: Are you planning to pursue further studies, like a master's degree?

Akeem: Yes, I’m aiming for a PhD. I also won a scholarship at Pan Atlantic University, Lagos business school to study leadership in waste sustainability management, which I’m very excited about.

Editorial: Any final words or shout-outs?

Akeem: Yes, I want to specially thank my team. First, my vice president- Anu, Thank you for being a support system. You acted like a mother always watching out for me and standing in a gap when I am not available. To my able general secretary- Olanrewaju, You were a strong backbone, No matter the awkward times I called you at night for some tasks, you never complained. You helped the administration and did it selflessly, thank you! To the man of integrity - Integrity, Thank you for being plain with the financial record of the association. You made the job easier by accounting for any kobo spent. To the PRO - Kcee, Thank you for always coming up with brilliant content! I always wonder how you go about it sometimes but you just keep the fire burning till the end. To the sport secretary, Ebenezer, Thank you for being so thoughtful and wise in your decisions. Well done! To the welfare director, Mama with the steezeeee, Thank you for handling your position so well! To the social director, Big Faith, Thank you for coming up with thoughtful programs to engage corp members and for being supportive. Well done!

Editorial: Wow! Congratulations! Thank you for your time!