Nigerian youth development is anchored by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which brings together recent graduates from various backgrounds to serve their country for a year. Even though recent graduates are accustomed to the program, it is uncommon to see a Yoruba Actor who participated in NYSC camp.
A Nollywood celebrity wearing the recognizable NYSC khaki while taking part in camp activities and early morning drills. Yoruba Actor That Participated In Nysc Camp and producer Owolabi Ajasa shocked everyone by attending the NYSC orientation camp in Kogi State in 2018. His presence captivated fans and sparked discussions across the country. His motivational path through NYSC exemplifies fortitude, humility, and a strong dedication to both individual and societal development.
Meet Nollywood Icon Owolabi Ajasa
A well-known actor in the Yoruba film industry, Owolabi Ajasa, is renowned for his gripping roles, particularly those of police officers. Ajasa is a well-known actor, producer, and director who was born in the Odeda Local Government Area and grew up in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He became well-known after making his breakthrough with the independently made movie Adanwo Olopa (Trial of a Policeman). More than 90% of his films since then have featured police roles, including Bori pe nile, Dolabomi, and Kabiosi. Ajasa is a well-known figure in Nollywood, serving as the governor of Ogun State for the Theatre Arts and Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN).
Ajasa’s later pursuit of education marked the beginning of his journey to NYSC. He became the first person in his family to earn a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Marketing from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic in Abeokuta in 2016. His desire to join the NYSC was motivated by this accomplishment, which struck a deep chord with his followers and distinguished him as a role model.
Why Ajasa Selected NYSC Rather Than Exemption
Many were taken aback when images of Ajasa wearing an NYSC uniform went viral in early 2018, thinking he was older than 30, the age at which graduates can request an exemption from the required service. Ajasa responded to the conjecture by saying, “It depends on when you finish your tertiary education.” You can request an exemption if you’re older than 30, but I didn’t. Being the first graduate in my family meant a lot to me; therefore, I decided to serve. The observation of NYSC broke a jinx.
His pride and purpose drove his choice. Ajasa understood the impact of his actions as a public figure and sought to encourage people to appreciate civic engagement and education. In line with his ideals as a community leader, the NYSC, which was founded in 1973 to foster national unity, provided him with a forum to engage with Nigeria’s youth and support nation-building.
An Unusual Kogi State Camp Experience
Discipline, friendship, and humility were all incorporated into Ajasa’s three-week orientation at the NYSC camp in Kogi State. All corps members, including celebrities, were treated equally at the camp, which was well-known for its strict routine that included attending lectures, participating in team-building exercises, and waking up at 4 a.m. for parades. Ajasa made friends with other graduates and welcomed the experience. “It was an amazing event. I got to know a lot of corps members, and we got along great. We had a good time together,” he said in a Sunday Scoop interview.
It’s interesting to note that Ajasa wasn’t first regarded as famous.
Yoruba films were unknown to many camp authorities, mostly from Benue State, who did not know who he was. Nonetheless, Yoruba-descent corps members were familiar with him and frequently asked for pictures. He added, “At one point, officials were uneasy about the attention I was receiving because people wanted pictures even during parades.” The administrators started treating him with respect after learning that he was a Yoruba actor, striking a balance between his notoriety and the egalitarian spirit of the camp.
NYSC and Nollywood Stardom in Balance
Given Ajasa’s steady parts in Yoruba films, fans were concerned that NYSC might upend his flourishing career. In order to stay close to his family and the Yoruba cinema hub, he redeployed to Abeokuta following the camp. “I observe community development service in Pansheke, and my primary assignment is the Abeokuta South Local Government Secretariat in Ake,” he said. “I’ve done everything I can to make sure NYSC doesn’t interfere with my career, but I’m prepared to serve Nigeria for a year.”
Ajasa was able to act and produce movies while fulfilling his NYSC responsibilities thanks to his strategic planning. He never wavered in his commitment to honesty, especially in police roles. In order to understand the subtleties of their work, he frequently confers with actual cops; this approach has garnered him recognition for his realistic depictions.
Motivating a New Generation
Ajasa’s NYSC adventure is a tale of breaking down boundaries rather than just one of personal accomplishment. He broke down barriers between generations as the first graduate in his family, demonstrating the enduring value of education. Despite his notoriety, his involvement in NYSC served as an inspiration to many, following the trend of Yoruba performers like Odunlade Adekola and Bolaji Amusan going to college. Since “marketing is part of our job,” Ajasa’s degree in marketing enhances his work as a filmmaker. If we sell our movie, it’s not illegal.
His narrative, which emphasizes fortitude, modesty, and civic involvement, strikes a chord with young Nigerians. By striking a balance between his duties as a family man, actor, and corps member, Ajasa has produced a lasting legacy that inspires people to take on challenges and give back to their communities.
