The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig. Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim, has tasked corps members to prioritize Nigeria’s unity.
Ibrahim gave the charge in an address delivered on his behalf by the Coordinator of NYSC in Oyo State, Mrs.Grace Ogbuogebe, at the state NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Iseyin, during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2021 Batch ‘B’ Stream 2 corps members.
The DG, who stated that the scheme was established to promote national unity and integration, enjoined the corps members to make the objective of the programme a priority.
Ibrahim, while commending the corps members for their level of discipline and enthusiasm since their arrival on camp, said that the Orientation Course was meant to prepare them physically and mentally for the assignments ahead.
Charging them on the need to respect the rules of engagement of the scheme, he said, “We shall apply appropriate sanctions on recalcitrant corps members in line with the provision of the NYSC bye-laws.”
He advised corps members to pay attention to the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme, stressing that the programme was meant to prepare them for self-employment and wealth creation through vocational and entrepreneurial training.
According to him, skill acquisition is the antidote to high rate of unemployment in the land.
While urging the corps members to respect the culture and traditions of their host communities, the DG emphasized the need for them to leave an indelible mark by ensuring that they contribute meaningfully to the development of the communities.
The NYSC chief also used the forum to express appreciation to the Presidential Steering Committee and the Nigeria Center for Disease Control for their support and guidance towards the safe conduct of the orientation course with adherence to the principles of the new normal.
He also lauded the state government and other stakeholders for their efforts at ensuring the success of the scheme.
