By Nkechi Eze
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has urged Corps Members to serve the nation with passion, loyalty and a strong sense of patriotism throughout their service year.
Addressing members of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream One currently undergoing orientation at the NYSC Ebonyi State Orientation Camp in Afikpo, the NYSC boss encouraged them to approach their national service with dedication and to see it as an opportunity to build a solid foundation for their future. “Serve your fatherland with passion and a deep sense of nationalism,” he charged, noting that the service year should be used as a period of productive investment that will not lead to regret in later years.
He also advised the Corps Members to respect the cultural norms and traditions of their host communities when they proceed to their various places of primary assignment, stressing that cultural sensitivity fosters mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
General Nafiu appealed to the Corps Members to actively engage in the Post-Camp training component of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, which is designed to make participants self-reliant and economically empowered. He disclosed that the NYSC had already entered into partnerships with several organisations that provide loans, grants and other incentives including start-up capital for qualified Corps Members. “Take advantage of the NYSC SAED programme to empower yourself and cultivate the habit of saving for the rainy day,” he stated.
In her remarks, Ebonyi State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Foluke Oladeinde, revealed that a total of 959 Corps Members, 474 males and 485 females had been registered and were actively participating in camp activities. She commended the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ebonyi State Chapter, for providing a new transformer for the orientation camp in Afikpo, adding that it had already been installed and was awaiting connection to the national grid.
Oladeinde also informed the Director General that the Ebonyi State Governor, Mr. Francis Nwifuru, had approved the construction of several facilities at the camp, including a new clinic, a female Corps Members’ hostel, staff quarters and three boreholes to improve water supply, all of which are currently under construction.
Brigadier General Nafiu expressed appreciation to the State Government and stakeholders for their support, and encouraged the Corps Members to make the most of the opportunities provided by the Scheme to build rewarding career paths and contribute meaningfully to national development.
