By Ralph Christopher
Corps Members have been advised to utilize the opportunities of the service year to promote national unity and cohesion.
The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, gave the advise while addressing Corps members during a visit to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja.
The DG who explained that the NYSC scheme was established primarily to promote national unity and integration, urged the Corps members to shun ethnic and religious jingoism.
He admonished them: “Take the advantage of the service year to promote national unity. Use the Orientation Course to imbibe team spirit, resilience, leadership skills and endurance.
“Abide by the tenets of the Orientation Course and let the spirit of NYSC live in you forever”.
He fuether enjoined the Corps members to embrace the four cardinal programmes of the NYSC Scheme namely; Orientation Course, Primary Assignment, Community Development Service and Winding up/Passing-Out, and adhere strictly to the NYSC Bye Laws in order to have a hitch-free service year.
The Director-General also warned them against engaging in social vices, adding that the scheme was not a heaven for lawbreakers.
“Respect the dignity of labour and embrace hardwork. Do not engage in cybercrime. “Avoid cutting corners and the sky will be your limit”, he said.
Gen. Ibrahim advised them to be security conscious and avoid night travels, while ensuring they obtained approval before embarking on any journey.
He added that they could approach any military or police barrack to pass the night, but with their NYSC identification cards and properly kitted.
He warned them against unauthorized journeys, saying offenders would be sanctioned in accordance with the NYSC Bye Laws.
Speaking further, the Director-General said efforts were being made to get government’s approval for the establishment of the National Youth Service Trust Fund (NYSCTF) from which funds would be made available for interested Corps members to start their businesses after undergoing the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training.
He added that part of the fund would also be used to maintain camp facilities and finance other needs of the Scheme.
Ibrahim therefore urged them to embrace the SAED programme which was designed to expose them to vocational training that would make them business owners and wealth creators and not seekers of salaried jobs.
“Jobs are very scarce to get but drive your vision with passion and contentment and the sky will be your limit”, the DG said.
Ibrahim advised the Corps Members to identify the needs of their host communities and initiate laudable projects that would improve their standard of living.
“Adhere to the rules in your places of Primary Assignment. “Be good ambassadors of the NYSC and use the social media responsibly.
“Do not use the social media to spread fake news and unverified information, but use it to promote national interest”, the DG warned.
