The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, delivered a powerful message to the 2024 Batch ‘C Stream ‘I’ corps members during his visit to the NYSC temporary orientation camp in Kaduna. His address centered around adaptation, community impact, security consciousness, and the transformative potential of skills acquisition. He challenged the prevailing sentiment of returning home after service, urging the corps members to embrace their postings as opportunities for personal and societal growth. He emphasized the importance of integrating into their host communities, respecting local cultures, and actively contributing to their development.
Ahmed’s message resonated with the spirit of the NYSC program, which aims to foster national unity and development by deploying graduates to different parts of the country. He encouraged the corps members to view their postings not as temporary assignments but as potential homes, urging them to find a sense of belonging and purpose in their new environments. He emphasized that this mindset shift is crucial for a fulfilling and impactful service year, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the local culture and contribute meaningfully to the community.
The Director-General’s emphasis on community impact highlighted the NYSC’s role as a catalyst for development. He encouraged the corps members to be proactive in identifying and addressing local needs, viewing their service year as a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. This call to action underscores the NYSC’s potential to contribute to national development by channeling the energy and skills of young graduates towards addressing critical challenges at the grassroots level. By engaging with their host communities, corps members not only contribute to local development but also gain valuable experience and a deeper understanding of the diverse tapestry of Nigeria.
Security awareness was another key theme in Ahmed’s address. While acknowledging the NYSC’s commitment to ensuring the safety of corps members, he stressed the importance of individual responsibility in maintaining personal security. He advised against unauthorized night travels and emphasized the need for vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines. This emphasis on security reflects the realities of contemporary Nigeria and underscores the importance of equipping corps members with the knowledge and skills to navigate potential risks.
Beyond community engagement and security, the Director-General highlighted the transformative power of skills acquisition and entrepreneurship. He urged the corps members to take full advantage of the NYSC’s skills acquisition and entrepreneurial development programs, emphasizing their potential to empower individuals to become self-reliant and contribute to the nation’s economic growth. He presented this not merely as an opportunity for personal gain but as a pathway to becoming job creators and drivers of economic development. This focus on skills development aligns with the government’s broader agenda of empowering youth and addressing unemployment.
Ahmed’s address painted a picture of the NYSC as a platform for national integration, community development, and personal transformation. He challenged the corps members to embrace the opportunities presented by the program, urging them to view their service year not as an obligation but as a chance to grow, contribute, and build a future for themselves and their nation. He encouraged them to shed the mindset of temporary residence and embrace their postings as potential homes, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. His emphasis on security, skills acquisition, and community engagement underscored the multifaceted nature of the NYSC program and its potential to contribute to both individual and national development. By emphasizing these core values, the Director-General inspired the corps members to embrace the full potential of their service year and become active agents of change in their host communities and beyond. He reminded them that their service year is not merely a stepping stone to their future careers but a formative experience that can shape their personal and professional trajectories. His message resonated with the spirit of national service, encouraging the corps members to view their postings as opportunities to contribute to the greater good while simultaneously building a foundation for their own future success.
