2019 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members have been charged to take advantage of restrictions caused by coronavirus pandemic to sharpen their skills.
The Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps, Ondo State, Mrs. Grace Akpabio, made the charge while addressing outgoing corps members at Iju-Itaogbolu, the Secretariat of Akure North local government area.
The state coordinator said that the novel COVID-19 had given ample opportunity to corps members to perfect whatever they had learnt under Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED, programme to make the difference and become self independent rather than looking for non-existent paid employment.
“You are all aware that many industries and companies are laying off some of their employees as a result of unfavourable operating environment occasioned by COVID -19. This should give you an insight into what the future holds globally.
“I am not saying you will not secure paid employment, far from it but I am advising you to brace up to the challenges ahead by improving or learning new skills to make you comfortable under the present times.”
The NYSC boss appealed to the outgoing corps members to take seriously the precautionary measures and protocols reeled out by federal and other government agencies to fortify themselves against contracting the virus.
“My dear outstanding and excellent corps members, COVID -19 will be with us for a while and I want to admonish you to keep safe and maintain both social and physical distancing in order to keep the virus in check.
“Try as much as possible at all times to use face mask when talking to anyone and ensure that the other party uses same when talking or addressing you.
“You are all very dear and important both to your parents, loved ones and NYSC. We are looking forward to seeing or hearing about your good and great exploits in the foreseeable future. So take good care of your personal health and wellness,” she said.
While wishing them the very best in their future endeavours, Akpabio admonished them to toe the path of hard work and restrain themselves from engaging in any act capable of truncating their dreams.
In Ondo State, 1212 corps members disengaged from the national service in a low key programme occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic otherwise known as COVID -19.
