The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has imparted a crucial message to the recently discharged 2024 Batch B Stream I corps members: focus on wealth creation, not solely on the pursuit of traditional white-collar jobs. This advice, delivered by Mr. Moses Oleghe, the NYSC Coordinator in Rivers State, during the passing-out ceremony in Port Harcourt, underscores the importance of entrepreneurship and self-reliance in today’s economic landscape. Oleghe emphasized the values instilled during the service year – creativity, hard work, discipline, focus, determination, and dedication – as essential ingredients for achieving aspirations and building a prosperous future. He urged the departing corps members to leverage these qualities to establish their own businesses and actively participate in wealth creation, rather than passively waiting for scarce white-collar job opportunities.
Oleghe’s message reflects a growing recognition of the limitations of traditional employment models and the increasing potential of entrepreneurship as a driver of economic growth and personal fulfillment. The NYSC, a program designed to foster national unity and youth development, is increasingly emphasizing the importance of equipping young graduates with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a dynamic economic environment. By encouraging entrepreneurial pursuits, the NYSC aims to empower young Nigerians to become active contributors to the nation’s economic progress and create opportunities for themselves and others. This shift in focus aligns with global trends that prioritize innovation, creativity, and self-reliance as key drivers of economic prosperity.
The passing-out ceremony also provided an opportunity to reflect on the overall performance and statistics of the 2024 Batch B Stream I corps members in Rivers State. A total of 2,302 corps members successfully completed their service year, demonstrating the program’s continued impact on youth development. However, the ceremony was tinged with sadness as Oleghe acknowledged the loss of two corps members during their service. This somber note served as a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties that life can present, even within the structured environment of the NYSC program.
Further statistics revealed the complexities and challenges associated with managing a large-scale youth program like the NYSC. Seventeen corps members, consisting of seven males and ten females, had their service year extended for various reasons, likely related to disciplinary issues or incomplete fulfillment of program requirements. Two corps members were granted pardon, suggesting that they faced certain circumstances that warranted leniency or exemption from further service. On a more concerning note, 23 corps members, comprising thirteen males and ten females, absconded from service, raising questions about the reasons for their departure and the effectiveness of the NYSC’s monitoring mechanisms.
These statistics highlight the diverse experiences and outcomes within the NYSC program, reflecting the individual choices and circumstances of the participating corps members. While the majority successfully completed their service year, the cases of extension, pardon, and absconding demonstrate the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement of the NYSC’s administrative and support systems. Ensuring the well-being and successful integration of all corps members remains a crucial aspect of the program’s mission.
In conclusion, the passing-out ceremony for the 2024 Batch B Stream I corps members in Rivers State served as a platform for both celebration and reflection. The emphasis on wealth creation and entrepreneurship signaled a forward-looking approach to youth development, encouraging graduates to embrace innovation and self-reliance. The presentation of service statistics, including the unfortunate loss of two corps members and cases of extension, pardon, and absconding, provided a comprehensive overview of the program’s complexities and the need for continuous improvement. The NYSC’s message to the departing corps members resonates with the broader challenges and opportunities facing young Nigerians, urging them to actively participate in shaping their own futures and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
