Gbadamosi Oluwatosin Gold: Her Story that Deserves the Headline –By Matthew Ma

For some time now, I have been following the inspiring journey of a remarkable young woman named Gbadamosi Oluwatosin Gold. A former member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), her story has resonated with countless individuals not only in Benue State but also across the country and beyond. After completing her year of service in Benue, Ms. Gold has gained my respect for her powerful and uplifting testimony about the Benue people. Coming from the Southwestern region of Nigeria, she initially faced the unfamiliarity that many corps members experience when placed outside their home state. Although apprehensive at first, she soon developed a profound appreciation for the warmth, hospitality, and generosity of the Tiv people. She noted that the locals’ friendliness, peaceful demeanor, and strong communal values made her feel less like an outsider and more like an integral part of the community. Actively engaging with the residents, she immersed herself in Tiv customs, language, and daily life. She also admired their strong sense of community, deep respect for tradition, and commitment to peaceful coexistence. These experiences, she reflected, transformed her understanding of cultural differences and highlighted the importance of national unity.

Ms. Gold’s public commendation of the Tiv people serves as a poignant reminder of the fundamental objective of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. This initiative was established to promote national unity, foster tolerance, and cultivate mutual respect among the country’s diverse ethnicities and cultures. However, the NYSC program today faced significant criticism for failing to meet its intended objectives. Critics point to several important issues, including a noticeable decline in the program’s effectiveness in fostering national unity among the diverse Nigerian populace. Additionally, there are growing concerns about the adequacy of the skill development initiatives offered to participants, which often fail to equip them with the tools needed for the job market. Participants have also raised concerns about insufficient welfare provisions during their service, including meager allowances that do not cover living expenses and a lack of suitable accommodation, which can jeopardize their well-being. Another pressing concern is the serious security risks corps members face while deployed across various regions, often leaving them in precarious situations.

Additionally, some critics argue that the placement process for young corps members in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is marred by corruption, leading to an unsettling trend in which these individuals resort to bribery to secure assignments in the most sought-after service locations. This issue is compounded by the NYSC board’s initial assignments, which often place corps members in regions far from their homes or in areas they consider less desirable. As a result, many corps members feel frustrated and dissatisfied with their placements. This sense of discontent drives them to explore various means, including lobbying and networking, to facilitate their redeployment to more favorable or convenient locations that better align with their personal preferences and family circumstances. Finally, many graduates find themselves with limited job opportunities after completing their service, casting doubt on the program’s overall effectiveness in facilitating meaningful employment for its participants.

These challenges and concerns have led to increasing demands for significant reforms of the NYSC program. Many advocates suggest that, given the ongoing issues surrounding it, the program may need to be canceled entirely. This suggestion has sparked a broader debate about the program’s effectiveness and sustainability, with stakeholders highlighting the need for substantial changes to address the underlying problems. In an era when negative narratives frequently overshadow constructive dialogue and public discourse, Ms. Gold’s uplifting account serves as a compelling example of the power of positive engagement. It illustrates that amid challenges, there are still narratives of collaboration and harmonious coexistence that can inspire and unite people across diverse backgrounds. Ms. Gold’s story stands as a beacon of hope, reinforcing the importance of embracing our differences and working together to build a more inclusive society.

While Ms. Gold passionately promotes the Tiv people and their cultural heritage, it is disheartening to observe some Tiv youth engaging in behaviors that undermine her efforts and those of the Tiv community. One of the more troubling trends is the way ownership of modern technology, such as Android smartphones with internet access, has seemingly empowered certain Tiv youths to speak disrespectfully and derogatorily about their elders. This growing disregard for traditional values and the wisdom of older generations is alarming, particularly considering the potential repercussions of their statements. The lack of reflection on the impact of their words—and the broader implications for their community—signals a troubling shift in the values that young people hold, raising concerns about respect, cultural identity, and the future of intergenerational relationships within the Tiv society. Another concerning aspect of this trend is the growing number of Tiv content creators who primarily concentrate on sexual themes in their online activities. Many of these individuals produce content that is not only heavily sexualized but also often lacks any meaningful substance or educational value. The focus on explicit material has overshadowed alternative forms of content that promote personal growth, creativity, or knowledge. It raises questions about the impact of such content on audiences, particularly younger viewers who may be exposed to distorted perceptions of sexuality and relationships.

Many Tiv content creators, rather than fostering meaningful discussions that could engage their audiences in thoughtful discourse, often center their content around explicit themes. These themes include advice on how to engage intimately with women, the belief that women should avoid dating financially unstable men, and the idea that married women should not allow their husbands to touch them unless they receive an allowance for housekeeping. They occasionally make broad and frequently unsubstantiated critiques about the sexual capabilities of the Tiv men. Often, their content also targets the challenges Tiv men face in forming romantic connections, particularly their difficulties maintaining long hours of sex with a partner. Adding to this negativity is a disturbing faction of Tiv youth who harbor a profoundly pessimistic view of their homeland and community. For them, Benue state is perceived as the worst possible place to be born and raised. They express disdain at the very idea of being associated with the Tiv ethnic group, finding it repugnant to identify with their own culture. This trend has raised concerns about the impact of such material on viewers, as it tends to overshadow more significant topics that deserve attention. Thus, as someone who values family and community—whether as a parent, uncle, sister, brother, friend, or acquaintance—how do you feel when you encounter such harmful comments on social media?

Personally, I find the remarks of Tiv content creators troubling and disheartening. I believe that many others share this feeling, as respect for elders and cultural heritage continues to decline in our community. Even our so-called intellectuals are not exempt from this behavior; it is disheartening to see a prominent Tiv PhD scholar engaging in name-calling online. One cannot help but ask whether this is genuinely the conduct expected of a professor. How can someone with such a high level of education display such a troubling lack of basic online decorum? Does this behavior truly reflect the principles and values upheld by the academic community? Given the nature of education, we must recognize that it should encompass not only the acquisition of knowledge but also the cultivation of discipline, restraint, and respect—qualities that are invaluable in any setting, particularly in the digital realm, where interactions can be both swift and far-reaching. The dissonance between one’s academic achievements and online conduct may prompt a broader conversation about the responsibilities that come with educational authority and the importance of modeling appropriate behavior in all contexts.

Throughout her enriching journey of learning Tiv, Ms. Gold consistently expressed her heartfelt conviction that she had never encountered or used any abusive or disrespectful words in Tiv. This perspective stood in stark contrast to the experiences of many language learners in various cultures, where it is common for instructors, particularly informal ones, to introduce learners to the more vulgar aspects of a language first. In her case, however, Ms. Gold felt fortunate to have escaped such exposure to crude language and swear words in Tiv. Her educational experience began with the basics: she was taught to read the Tiv alphabet, a foundational step that laid the groundwork for her understanding of the language. With enthusiasm and determination, she then progressed to reading the Tiv Bible, which not only helped her improve her language skills but also allowed her to immerse herself in the cultural and spiritual depth of the Tiv people.

In the contemporary era, a considerable number of Tiv youth struggle to read and understand the Tiv alphabet. For many, the challenge goes beyond mere reading; even constructing simple sentences in Tiv can be quite overwhelming. As if that is not enough, even reading the Tiv Bible poses significant difficulties for many people. It is particularly disheartening to observe an adult Tiv person returning from a brief trip abroad speaking in a way that reflects a disconnection from their native language and culture. Ms. Gold’s effort to communicate in the Tiv language serves as an essential step towards fostering deeper connections with the Tiv community. Every time we learn and use a new language, we gain an appreciation for its culture and heritage, recognizing the richness of its traditions and the nuances found in its linguistic expressions. This endeavor highlights our commitment to bridging cultural divides and promoting understanding, as we navigate the complexities of a language that carries the history and identity of its speakers. Ms. Gold’s story highlights the significant role of language in fostering empathy and collaboration in multicultural environments. Her experience demonstrates that when young Nigerians approach their service with open minds and a genuine eagerness to learn, they often return home enriched—not merely in knowledge but also with a profound sense of patriotism and connection to their roots. The transformative nature of her NYSC experience underscores the importance of community engagement and cultural appreciation, making her journey a compelling narrative that warrants recognition and reflection on national identity and youth empowerment.

As we look to the future, I am eager to gather insights and stories from other fellow youth corps members currently serving in various workplaces across the State. I have a particular interest in hearing about the unique experiences of those who have dedicated their service to communities within the Idoma, Igede, Etulo, Jukun, and other ethnic minority groups represented in our State. Their perspectives will offer a valuable understanding of the diverse cultural and professional landscapes we encounter, enhancing our collective knowledge and fostering stronger connections within these vibrant communities. I look forward to the opportunity to share and learn from these compelling narratives.

Rev. Ma, S. J., is a Jesuit priest and a public policy analyst. He currently writes from Abuja, Nigeria.