By Nkechi Eze
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has lauded the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) for its pivotal role in nurturing Nigerian youths for leadership and nation-building.
In an official statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, General Nafiu gave the commendation while delivering a goodwill message at a youth conference organised by the CLTC in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, held at the Monoliza Event Centre, Abuja.
The NYSC boss described the CLTC as a longstanding and dependable partner of the Scheme in its mission to raise disciplined, patriotic, and service-oriented graduates who are committed to the unity and progress of Nigeria. He noted that through various training collaborations, the Centre has contributed immensely to instilling positive values such as unity, patriotism, selflessness, and dedication to duty among Nigerian youths.
General Nafiu further acknowledged the CLTC alongside other strategic partners such as the Nigerian Army, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as key stakeholders that have supported the NYSC in achieving its objectives over the past 52 years. He appealed for the sustenance and strengthening of these partnerships to produce more purposeful youths capable of leading the nation to greater heights.
Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Reviving Values and Volunteerism Among the Youth,” the NYSC Director General said it perfectly aligns with the core values and mission of the NYSC Scheme. He noted that for over five decades, the NYSC has been promoting the spirit of volunteerism and community service through its Community Development Service (CDS) initiative, which enables Corps Members to contribute meaningfully to the development of their host communities across the country.
“The Scheme has consistently instilled the spirit of volunteerism in Corps Members, leading to transformative contributions that have uplifted the living conditions of people in their various host communities,” Nafiu said.
In his keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of Future Africa, Mr. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, charged the youth participants to cultivate four key leadership traits, being resolute, resourceful, relentless, and responsible. He stressed that these qualities are essential for any young person who aspires to earn the trust of leadership and make a meaningful impact in society.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Director General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Ms. Rinsola Abiola, explained that the purpose of the conference was to awaken Nigerian youths to the importance of embracing national values and volunteerism as essential tools for national development.
According to her, the conference was designed to inspire young Nigerians to adopt volunteerism as a way of life and to become active participants in building a stronger and more united nation. She added that one of the key outcomes of the conference would be the development of a practical blueprint for policymakers, aimed at reviving the foundational values upon which Nigeria was built.
Abiola reaffirmed the CLTC’s commitment to working closely with partners like the NYSC to strengthen leadership training and promote a culture of integrity, selfless service, and patriotism among Nigerian youths.
