The Director, Southwest Area Office 1, National Youth Service Corps, Mrs. Olubukola Oluwaremilekun Abiodun, has asserted that the discipline of corps members during and after the service year will translate to a better and greater Nigeria.
The director made this known at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, where she addressed the 2024 Batch ‘C’ (Stream II) corps members deployed to the state and their counterparts dislodged from Lagos State.
Abiodun, who is known for her sincere advise to corps members asked them to believe in themselves and not take the short route to greatness.
She said that greatness was engraved in their palms and head, which according to her, would complement their certificates.
“My dear children, I want to appeal to you to learn a skill or two under the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme introduced by NYSC. Living on one stream of income in this contemporary world is an invitation to a troubled life, but I desire you to live a comfortable and happy life, so embrace SAED for a better tomorrow.”
The director, who was a foundational member of SAED when the programme was established in March 2012 encouraged the members of the service corps to religiously embrace the in-camp training as well as the post-camp training when they settle at their various places of primary assignment, declaring that the future belongs to those who believe in themselves to change the world for the better.
Giving hint on how to enjoy the service year, Abiodun admonished corps participants to respect the customs and traditions of their host communities and accord the citizens and residents deserving respect, even if they are not elderly.
She advised them to establish cordial relationships with one another so that they could always lean on each other’s shoulders in the nearest future.
The administrator overseeing Osun, Ekiti and Ondo NYSC formations enjoined the members of the service corps to take their security as priority, saying that NYSC had put all machinery in place to ensure their safety and welfare during the service year.
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She warned them not to misuse social media to castigate the scheme or cast aspersions on its operations, saying that ignorance was not an excuse in law, and such act would not be accepted as youthful exuberance.
She reminded them that the management would not condone frivolous journeys, especially the ones embarked upon during the night, saying the NYSC placed premium on their precious lives, and would do everything possible to protect them throughout the service year.
In her welcome address, the State Coordinator, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, said that the corps members were adapting very well to the regimented nature of the camp since the commencement of the orientation course.
She said the management of the scheme in Ondo State had offset all the outstanding bills owed Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) while water provision to camp community was round the clock.
The director was entertained by the representative of the corps members.
