The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reiterated the importance of prospective corps members fully embracing their assigned places of service, advising them to resist the urge to request relocation. This message was delivered by Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, the Director-General of NYSC, during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course, held at the Magaji Dan Yamusa NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Call to Embrace Service Posting with a Positive Mindset
The Director-General encouraged the corps members to approach their assigned postings with a sense of purpose, viewing it as an opportunity for personal and communal development. He emphasized that the primary aim of the NYSC scheme is to foster national unity and contribute to the nation’s development. According to Ahmed, corps members can significantly impact the communities they serve by embracing their service as a platform for learning, growth, and contributing positively to society.
Ahmed’s message was clear: “Accept your postings in good faith and resist the temptation to seek reposting.” This statement highlights the importance of working in diverse regions across Nigeria, which helps build mutual understanding among people from different cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
Contribution to Nation-Building
Brigadier General Ahmed expressed that every corps member has a responsibility to engage in the process of nation-building. He urged the participants to get involved in community development projects, applying the skills and training they received during the three-week orientation camp. Corps members were reminded that their efforts could help tackle local challenges, improve infrastructure, and enhance social services in underserved areas.
In his words, “Begin to make a meaningful impact as you have been trained to do,” signaling the end of the orientation and the commencement of service year activities. The corps members were encouraged to serve as ambassadors of the NYSC, their families, and the country at large.
Security and Safety Emphasis
Recognizing the security challenges across different parts of Nigeria, the NYSC Director-General stressed the importance of corps members taking personal responsibility for their safety. He cautioned against involvement in activities that could put their lives at risk. Ahmed urged the youth to strictly adhere to the NYSC safety protocols and to remain vigilant in their host communities. He assured them that the scheme is committed to ensuring the security and welfare of all corps members during their service year.
The Role of the NYSC in National Development
Over the years, the NYSC Scheme has played a critical role in Nigeria’s nation-building efforts by deploying young graduates to all regions of the country. The corps members contribute to essential sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, particularly in rural and underserved communities. By resisting the temptation to seek reposting and fully engaging in their communities, corps members can leave a lasting legacy, ensuring that the scheme continues to be a vital part of the country’s development efforts.
Corps Members as Agents of Change
One of the critical messages delivered by Ahmed was the need for corps members to recognize their role as agents of change. He reminded them that their contributions to their host communities would have a significant impact on how the NYSC scheme is perceived in the future. According to the Director-General, those who fully engage in service and seek to improve the communities they are posted to will ensure that the NYSC continues to play a vital role in the country’s development.
By embracing their postings and rejecting the desire for relocation, corps members uphold the NYSC’s values of discipline, service, and unity, and contribute to its long-term sustainability.
The message from Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed serves as a reminder of the value and impact that the NYSC Scheme can have on both the corps members and the communities they serve. By accepting their postings with a positive mindset and focusing on nation-building, corps members can make a lasting difference in the lives of the people they interact with throughout their service year. The emphasis on safety and responsibility further underscores the NYSC’s commitment to protecting its members while they contribute to Nigeria’s growth and development.
With these key principles in mind, corps members are encouraged to embrace their role in nation-building, ensuring that the NYSC Scheme continues to thrive and fulfill its mission for generations to come.