The Director General of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier-General Yusha’u Ahmed has commended the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo for prioritizing the security and welfare of Corps Members serving in the state.
Brigadier General Ahmed made the commendation at the Nnamdi Azikwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Awka South Local Government Area of the state, while addressing the 2024 Batch A Stream I Corps Members during his working visit to the camp.
Owing to the administrative dexterity of the Governor, Brigadier General Ahmed said “the state is peaceful and the people are friendly, so I urge the Corps Members not to think of relocating, rather they should stay and contribute their quota towards the development of the host communities.”
He urged them to respect the culture and tradition of the people and blend with them.
“I urge you to respect the culture and traditions of your host community. Remain peaceful and resilient as you add value to the community you are posted to.
“Also take your security seriously. Take time to read the instructions in your manual and abide by them accordingly. Your security is our concern, but no one can secure you more than yourself,” he said.
Brigadier General Ahmed further encouraged the Corps Members to develop interest in skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development as well as take advantage of the programme to become not just self reliant, but job and wealth creators after their service year.
While stating that the Nigerian government is out to ensure youths are supported and empowered so they can be self reliant, the DG told corps members the that the Nigerian Government, in collaboration with many financial partners namely Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry, Wema Bank, NNPC Foundation, and give loans to Corps Members at zero interest.
He said; “thousands of your predecessors who maximize the opportunity are now independent. Many enjoyed several of such government support in collaboration with private organizations, including soft loans provided at no interest.
“Some who were privileged to be given opportunities in government establishments even declined such privileges because they’ve seen better place to earn a living.
“I’m sure you are aware the top richest people in this country are not government officials, but independent businessmen. Don’t allow the service opportunity pass you by without making good use of it.”
The NYSC DG who was conferred with a chieftaincy title of Dike Ora I of Umuawulu (which means the great warrior of the people), by Igwe Joel Egwuonwu, traditional ruler of the community housing the camp, described the title as in line with NYSC ethics.
“When I was informed about the chieftaincy title, I didn’t hesitate because that’s exactly what the NYSC is preaching, unity and oneness, respect of our diverse and rich cultures.
“The states are doing their best, but we’ll continue to partner with them to ensure camp facilities, especially the halls receive facelift to accommodate increasing number of corps members being chunked out annually,” he said.
The traditional ruler of Umuawulu, said that the title is in recognition of the Director General’s love and concern for the welfare and security of Corps Members nationwide as well as his interest in ensuring that many Corps Members camp in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu camp.
The State Coordinator, NYSC, Mrs Blessing Iruma appreciated the DG for the choice of Anambra to be among the camps to be visited.
She listed some benefits of the Cultural Carnival to include exposing the Nigerian youths to rich cultural diversities and language of the country as well as collapsing all forms of social, gender, religious barriers and extends the hands of fellowship across the cultural groups.
“Cultural Carnival stimulates in Corps Members unusual creativities and innovations; it helps to reduce prejudices about certain cultures and boosts economic activities across communities.
“It is for the promotion of local content e.g. local/native fabrics and attires; It is an avenue to learn from different cultures without losing your identity; politically, we stand to understand ourselves better,” she said.
Mrs Iruma added that the cultural carnival is a ritual by which Corps members are brought together to enable them appreciate the beauty, gains and strength the country in its diversity.
She reminded Corp members that maintaining Nigeria’s unity is a shared responsibility, with a role for them to play.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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