The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, has urged corps members to dedicate themselves to the service of their fatherland, Nigeria.
Ibrahim who gave the charge in his address at the Swearing-in ceremony for the 2021 Batch ‘C’ (Stream 1) corps members who are currently undergoing orientation exercise at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Iseyin, Oyo State, enjoined the corps members to always ponder over the significance of the oath and be guided by its spirit and letters.
The NYSC helmsman, who was represented by the Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Ogbuogebe, said the corps members were deliberately posted away from their states of origin to broaden their understanding of the country and position them in good stead for effective contribution to the promotion of national unity and integration. He further encouraged the graduate youths to initiate healthy interactions, exchange ideas, and build lasting friendships to advance the progress of a united Nigeria.
According to him, the orientation course will prepare the corps members for their expected contributions to the progress and development of the country. “The orientation course will equip you for the realization of your potentials and attainment of individual feats both within the period of service and beyond”, he said.
Ibrahim cautioned the corps members against indulgence in cultism, drug abuse, and other social vices. He encouraged them to shun the use of social media to propagate the promotion of hatred and rumour peddling.
Speaking further, the NYSC Director-General advised the corps members to avail themselves of the opportunities provided by the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program introduced by the management of the scheme to combat the dearth of employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
While stressing the need for continuous compliance with the Covid-19 prevention protocols, Ibrahim encouraged the corps members to present themselves to receive the Covid-19 vaccine as the management of the scheme is in touch with relevant authorities to make the vaccine available for interested corps members in the course of their service year.
A total of 1647 corps members comprising of 797 males and 850 females were sworn on oath by the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Honourable Justice Muktar Abimbola, who was represented by Honourable Justice Iyabode Yerima.
