The Director of Corps Welfare and Health Services, National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Mr. Benjamin Folorunso Ayo-Omotade has told corps members that they have roles to play in nation building as well as responsibilities towards the country and her citizens.
Ayo-Omotade made the statement when he addressed the 2023 Batch ‘C’ (Stream II) corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko.
According to the Chairman, NYSC Director General Think-Tank, corps members who had been mobilised and deployed to various states of the federation should not sit on the fence but join the progressive train to rescue the country from doldrums.
“The founding fathers of this noble scheme made conscious efforts that prevented the country from breaking and it is now your turn to work harmoniously with your colleagues in the national service to ensure that the labour of our heroes past does not go in vain and I want to assure you that if you give your best, your services to the nation will not go unrewarded.
“I want to tell you now that the choices you make today will to a large extent determine the height you will attain in life and I want you to be fulfilled at the end of the service year hence my admonition to you to take responsible choices. However, if your choices are not in tandem with the expectations of the society, be ready to face the consequences of your actions or inactions”.
He said that if they must get to the top they crave for themselves, they must be dedicated, disciplined and hardworking.
“My dear children, if you desire to get to the top, you must constantly and consistently focus on your goals. Do not engage in any act or activities that will jeopardise your future. You can contribute to nation-building through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme which majority of you think we forced you to embrace but I want to tell you that majority of your predecessors who keyed into the programme when it was established 11 years ago have become a force to reckon with economically.
“Your education is a gateway for you to make it big in this challenging economy which is not limited or peculiar to Nigeria or Africa but globally. Use your hands and intellect to carve a niche for yourself and let the world celebrate your achievements during and after the service year. Your education will open doors for you in high places if you dare to be different in showcasing your skills. Let education reflect in your packaging and network with your friend and colleague to avail you with creative graphics and design that will stand your products or services out in the midst of others,” he said.
The one-time state coordinator in Delta State advised the members of the service corps not to leverage the wealth of their parents but struggle to survive as whatever they achieve through their sweats would catapult them to greatness.
“Gentlemen Corps Members, I am not against you spending or investing the family wealth but what I am saying in essence is that the wealth of your parents is not entirely yours even though you will have part of it as your inheritance but the money you do not work for will not be well managed because it is a free will donation or gift from family inheritance while the one you invested massively in with your personal resources and commitment in a disciplined manner will profit you the more.”
Ayo-Omotade who has served in various committees and held sensitive positions which included Head of Administration to a former Director General said that the corps members should strive hard and build a career that would take them to greater heights through hard work, commitment and selfless service.
“By the grace of God, I am enjoying the seed I planted while building my career over three decades of working with the National Youth Service Corps. Even though, I belong to the old school, I am enjoying the contemporary benefits of God and I want to admonish you to work now and party later so that the theme of the orientation course which is ‘Merriment and Thanksgiving’ will have meaning in its context of usage”.
Ayo-Omotade appreciated the state coordinator for the warm reception accorded him.
The state coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani who was elated to have the guest said the visit would serve as morale booster not only for corps members but camp officials as well.
She charged the members of the service corps to take advantage of the visit of the Director to toe a path of hard work which would take them to the promised land if they were willing to abide by all the special guest told them.
