By Nkechi Eze
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has urged Corps Members to embrace creativity, self-reliance, and positive thinking as they plan for their future.
Speaking during his visits to the NYSC Orientation Camps in Wannune, Benue State, and Magaji Dan Yamusa, Keffi, Nasarawa State, General Nafiu emphasized the importance of Corps Members developing a forward-looking mindset and refusing to depend on others to define their paths.
The NYSC helmsman encouraged the Corps Members to think outside the box and focus on adding value to themselves in order to succeed in the competitive world and contribute meaningfully to humanity. His visit to the Benue Orientation Camp coincided with the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) exhibition, where he reiterated the need for Corps Members to take advantage of the NYSC SAED programme.
“Acquire additional skills that will make you self-reliant and potential employers of labour,” the Director General stated. He also urged them to continue with post-camp SAED training to further hone the vocational skills learned during camp, noting that several ex-Corps Members who embraced the initiative have gone on to establish thriving businesses nationwide.
In addition to the career advice, General Nafiu cautioned Corps Members against unauthorized and night journeys, advising them to always obtain proper permission from NYSC before traveling.
During the DG’s visit, the NYSC Benue State Coordinator, Mrs. Veronica Garba, reported that 1,576 Corps Members comprising 724 males and 854 females had taken the Oath of Allegiance administered by Hon. Justice Peter Ukande. She noted their active participation in SAED training, lectures, sports, drills, and other camp activities. She also commended the effective synergy between security agencies, which has greatly enhanced the safety of the camp.
In a similar briefing, the Nasarawa State Coordinator, Mrs. Salamatu Muhammad, informed the Director General that a total of 2,138 Corps Members had been registered in the state 1,388 deployed to Nasarawa and 750 from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The breakdown included 715 males and 673 females from Nasarawa, and 357 males and 393 females from the FCT.
Mrs. Muhammad added that Corps Members were in high spirits and had been well sensitized about both in-camp and post-camp SAED training. She assured the DG of the commitment of NYSC officials and collaborating agencies to guide the Corps Members in their journey toward effective nation building.
