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| National Youth Service Corps, member, Ukpevo Faith |
By Beatrice Okon
ABUJA, Nigeria – A young National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Ukpevo Faith, has taken up a bold and life-changing initiative to construct a perimeter fence around the Durumi cemetery in Abuja. The project, which is estimated to cost over N21 million, is already gaining support from community leaders and potential sponsors.
Ukpevo, a 24-year-old Accounting graduate from the University of Abuja, was moved to act after participating in a cleaning exercise at the cemetery. Shocked by the poor state of the burial ground, she decided to take action.
“I was moved to ask questions when I saw the cemetery's state,” she said. “I realized that funds and manpower were the major factors hindering the perimeter fence from being raised.”
The four-hectare cemetery has long been without a fence, leaving it exposed to vandalism and desecration. Ukpevo’s project seeks to restore dignity to the final resting place of many by building a durable fence that will secure the area.
Driven by her desire to give back to society and leave a legacy, she began writing proposals to organizations and individuals. Her efforts are paying off, as several groups have shown interest in supporting the initiative.
“I believe in God's blessings and for every good work of kindness and show of love and respect, God honors every bit of it,” she added.
Ukpevo draws inspiration from her mother, whom she describes as her role model. She finds joy in making people smile and wants her project to set an example for future generations of corps members.
With official approval already secured and some sponsors on board, the corps member remains optimistic that the project will be completed before the end of her service year.
“I want to create something meaningful, something that truly impacts lives, even if the people resting there can’t speak for themselves,” she said.
The Durumi cemetery project is not just about fencing; it is about respect, dignity, and a young woman’s vision to make a difference where many have looked away.