The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Muhammad Fadah has urged youth corps members to embrace vocational training to empower them in the absence of white-collared jobs.
Fadah made the appeal during the swearing-In ceremony of the 2022 Batch ‘B’ Stream One Youth Corps Members yesterday in Abuja.
According to him white-collar jobs are no longer readily available.
“You are, therefore, encouraged to use the opportunities for self-employment offered through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme by choosing from any of the skill areas.
“Make yourselves available for the training, which starts from the orientation camp, while management will also continue to work with relevant stakeholders for the success of the programme.”
Fadah said that the orientation course was the first cardinal programme of the NYSC and that it was aimed at introducing them to the objectives and programmes of the scheme.
He said that it was designed to equip them for the tasks of the service year through lessons, SAED leadership coaching, paramilitary drills and other physical training as well as sensitisation on topical national issues, amongst others.
“It is also a platform for kick-starting various activities that will enable you to realise your potential and attain individual feats both during and after service.
“I, therefore, enjoin you to utilise this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by participating in all the camp activities,” he said.
The director-general reminded them that one of the objectives of NYSC was the promotion of national unity and integration.
He said that the policy would not only offer them the opportunity for a broader understanding of the country.
He said it would also entrench the culture of working together in an atmosphere filled with friendship, peace, harmony, and a shared vision of a great and prosperous Nigeria.
He implored them to sustain the high level of discipline and enthusiasm they had demonstrated so far, especially by remaming compliant with the camp’s rules and regulations.
“You must continue to distance yourselves from cultism, drug abuse and other social vices.
“I also urge you to avoid using social media for spreading fake news, fuelling hatred and other negative purposes, and instead deploy the same for the promotion of national unity and development.
“You are strongly advised to be security conscious at all times.
“Let me also remind you that the oath of allegiance you have taken today is significant, as it is expected to guide your conduct in the service year and have an everlasting influence on your life after service,” Fadah said.
The 21 day exercise started on June 15, with registration of youth corps members and will end with closing ceremony on July 5.
