AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
Brigadier General O.O. Nafiu, Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has urged Corps members in Oyo State to undertake their national assignment with patriotism and commitment, stressing that the future and survival of Nigeria depend on their dedication.
Brig. Gen. Nafiu spoke during a working visit to the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Iseyin, where he addressed members of the 2025 Batch A, Stream 2.
Lauding the Corps members for their courage in meeting the criteria for mobilization, the DG described national service as a sacred duty that demands seriousness, discipline, and a clear sense of purpose.
He stated that “No foreigner will build Nigeria for us. The task of nation-building is ours—and it starts with you.”
Also, he emphasized the pivotal role of young people in national development and described the NYSC scheme as a vital tool for promoting unity in diversity. He encouraged Corps members to build friendships across ethnic and religious divides and to fully engage with the cultures and traditions of their host communities.
Brig. Gen. Nafiu also urged participants to take the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously. He reassured them of NYSC’s ongoing partnerships with financial institutions—including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Industry (BOI), Access Bank, and Wema Bank—to support Corps members with viable business ideas.
He advised them to adopt prudent financial habits, cultivate a savings culture, and begin planning early for life after service, cautioning against overreliance on limited white-collar job opportunities.
The DG further charged the Corps members to uphold discipline, maintain the integrity of the NYSC scheme, and be exemplary ambassadors of the programme throughout their service year.
In his welcome address, the NYSC State Coordinator for Oyo, Mr. Kayode Ola Peters, thanked the DG for his visit and gave a brief report on developments at the camp. He commended the Corps members for their enthusiasm, discipline, and active participation in camp activities.
A highlight of the visit was a colourful cultural display by the NYSC Cultural Troupe, followed by the presentation of tokens of appreciation to outstanding Corps members who distinguished themselves during orientation.
