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NYSC produces world class leaders for Nigeria -Akpabio

David Adenekan
David Adenekan
NYSC produces world class leaders for Nigeria -Akpabio
Akpabio

The Acting Director, Procurement, National Youth Service Corps, Mrs. Grace Akpabio, has asserted that the scheme produces world class leaders for Nigeria.

Akpabio made the assertion while addressing the 2022 Batch ‘C’ (Stream 1) corps members at the NYSC orientation camp, Ikare-Akoko.

Akpabio, until March last year, was the state coordinator of the NYSC in Ondo.

Her words: “Documentary evidences abound that our products are doing extremely well globally in all their chosen career or profession, be it politics, economy, sports,  entertainment industry, public service, organised private sector and the likes. You have unhindered access to information and you can check it out as I don’t have to bore you with rhetorics.”

Akpabio who received a standing ovation when some of her achievements were reeled out disclosed that serving in Ondo State was one of the high points of her career in NYSC.

The acting Director, Procurement was full of praises for her successor and the incumbent state coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani, for being a thoroughbred administrator who meant well for the scheme and the development of graduate youths.

READ ALSO: NYSC: Why orientation course for corps members is important –DG

“My wonderful,  dutiful and excellent corps members, let me confess that I am impressed with the hardworking, goal getter and my well focused successor, Mrs. Ani, for completing ongoing projects which I initiated while I was the state coordinator because many successors will abandon whatever they meet on ground and start their own.

“Mrs. Ani did not only complete the projects she met on ground but went ahead to construct another befitting management staff quarters in a record time of seven months. This is commendable and it can only come from a heart that prides herself in both staff and corps members’ welfare.”

She announced that Ani made a promise that she would improve on accommodation in the camp when she brought her to see things for herself on assumption of duty.

“As you can see now, she has initiated and completed management staff quarters, and now she has started the construction of another hostel for middle level officers of the scheme. In essence, she is putting staff on a good frame of mind to cater for you the corps members.

“In NYSC, we do what we preach and this is the more reason you should think of what you can do for the country and not the other way round. Be committed and be patriotic to the cause of this nation so that when you are appointed or elected into positions of power and authority, you will make policies that will be favourable to the ordinary citizens in the streets.”

Akpabio admonished the corps members to settle down for service rather than “travelling up and down” during the service year.

She charged them to take all lectures serious as those who had challenges during the service year were those who never partake in any programme and activity, especially lectures with all the seriousness it deserved.

“NYSC has provided you with publications that will make your service year seamless coupled with engaging very sound, proficient and seasoned officers of the scheme to handle NYSC lectures while tested and articulate professionals are engaged to handle development and professional lectures,” she said.

“While you are giving your best to the services of the nation, you need to take your personal security seriously. The government is doing all within her powers to safeguard lives and properties of all the citizens and residents of this country and you need to complement such efforts by being security conscious at all times.”

She admonished them to embrace the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED, programme established by the scheme even if they were from rich backgrounds because they had lots to benefit from the intervention.

“Your rich backgrounds notwithstanding, I want to tell you that you will manage your business well rather than relying on family fortunes. SAED is designed to wipe out poverty and reduce to a large extent unemployment in the society and you are the target audience to make this achievable,” she concluded.

In her brief remark, Ani outlined the steps taken so far which included the screening of all corps members and camp officials as well as camp market operators for COVID -19 test.

She disclosed that the 1500 corps members registered had shown high sense of discipline and were well behaved.

Akpabio was conducted round the camp on inspection and appraisal of camp facilities.

She was full of praises for the state coordinator and her team.

Akpabio, before departing the camp appreciated some categories of corps members for their superlative performances and equally had meetings with both NYSC and non-NYSC camp officials.

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