Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Director General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Yusha’u Ahmed has urged corps members to be prepared to serve in any part of the country they were deployed for their one year mandatory service.
He cautioned them against seeking for redeployment but to rather settle down and contribute their quota to the growth and development of their state of deployment.
Addressing Batch A Stream 1 corps members during their cultural carnival in Anambra State orientation camp, the DG who was in the camp on the spot assessment visit, also urged corps members to take their security seriously.
He said, “I urge you to respect the culture and traditions of your host community. Remain peaceful and resilient as you add value to the community you’re posted to.
“Also take your security seriously. Take time to read the instructions in your manual and abide by them accordingly. Your security is our concern, but no one can secure you more than yourself.”
Underscoring the importance of Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Development of the Scheme, Ahmed urged corps members to take advantage of the programme to become not just self reliant, but job and wealth creators after their service year.
“Skills acquisition is designed to make you independent, self reliance and productive. Federal government is out to ensure youths are supported and empowered so they can stand on their own.
“Thousands of your predecessors who maximised the opportunity are now independent. Many enjoyed several of such government support in collaboration with private organisations, including soft loans provided at no interest.
“Some who were privileged to be given opportunities in government establishments even declined such privileges because they’ve seen better place to earn a living.
“I’m sure you’re aware the top richest people in this country are not government officials, but independent businessmen. Don’t allow the service opportunity pass you by without making good use of it.”
The NYSC boss who was conferred with a chieftaincy title of Dike Ora I of Umuawulu by Igwe Joel Egwuonwu, traditional ruler of the community housing the camp, urged corps members to respect the culture and traditions of their host communities.
“When I was informed about the chieftaincy title, I didn’t hesitate because that’s exactly what the NYSC is preaching; unity and oneness, respect of our diverse and rich cultures.
“The states are doing their best, but we’ll continue to partner with them to ensure camp facilities, especially the halls receive facelift to accommodate increasing number of corps members being churned out annually.”
Earlier, State Coordinator, NYSC, Mrs Blessing Iruma, appreciated the DG for the choice of Anambra to be among the camps to be visited.
She listed some benefits of the Cultural Carnival to include exposing the Nigerian youths to rich cultural diversities and language of the country as well as collapsing all forms of social, gender, religious barriers and extending the hands of fellowship across the cultural groups.
“Cultural Carnival stimulates in Corps Members unusual creativities and innovations; it helps reduce prejudices about certain cultures and boosts economic activities across communities.
“It is for the promotion of local content e.g. local/native fabrics and attires; It is an avenue to learn from different cultures without losing your identity; politically, we stand to understand ourselves better,” she said.
