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Summary
Stateswoman and former presidential candidate, Khadijah Okunnu, has condemned the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for denying a certificate of completion to Raye-Ushie Uguamaye. She strongly urges the government and the leadership of the NYSC to re-examine the decision immediately and correct it.
Stateswoman Khadijah Okunnu has condemned the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for denying Raye-Ushie Uguamaye a certificate of completion on August 13, 2025.
She expressed concern over the NYSC’s decision, which she views as a punitive and unmistakable message. She shared her personal experience with national service, recalled the pride and sacrifices she made, and described receiving her certificate as a confirmation that she had fulfilled her duty.
“To strip Raye of this recognition is to block her dreams, diminish her contributions, and set a dangerous precedent that silences the voices of those who dare to hope for a better Nigeria,” Khadijah said.
The former presidential candidate also highlighted that the NYSC’s decision to deny Raye her certificate exposes the challenges women face, in which they are punished harshly for speaking up. She added that the issue extends beyond Raye herself, stating that this action is a message to all Nigerian youth that “independent thinking and courage will be punished, and that daring to be different could cost them their future.”
She urged the government and the National Youth Service Corps leadership to reverse their decision, stating that history would judge whether the nation chose to listen to reason and act justly or suppress that voice.
“We strongly urge the government and the National Youth Service Corps leadership to re-examine this decision immediately. To correct it is not a sign of weakness, but of justice, maturity, and leadership. Nigeria cannot afford to make enemies of its own youth,” she said.
