The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has reminded corps members that the service year is not just a mandatory assignment but a platform for self-development, nation-building and socio-economic transformation.
Addressing corps members during his official visit to the Ogun State Orientation Camp on Saturday, October 4, the NYSC helmsman emphasized that the scheme, which has existed for 52 years, was designed to unite Nigerians across diverse ethnic and cultural lines while promoting national integration.
He urged corps members to take the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously, describing it as a life-changing opportunity to acquire practical skills that could make them self-reliant.
General Nafiu also cautioned corps members against reckless spending and extravagant lifestyles, stressing the importance of financial discipline.
“Time is a valuable asset; make use of it. Open a savings account and save a portion of your allowance. You will thank yourself for it at the end of your service year. Always remember to cut your coat according to your size,” he advised.
On discipline and safety, the NYSC boss warned corps members against unauthorized travels, especially beyond 6 p.m., and urged them to channel all concerns through official lines of communication. He also called on them to use social media positively and to respect the traditions and cultures of their host communities.
Earlier, the NYSC Ogun State Coordinator, Mrs. Olayinka Diana Nasamu, welcomed the Director-General and presented a comprehensive report on camp activities, highlighting notable achievements, challenges, and areas requiring intervention.
As part of his official visit to Ogun State, Brigadier General Nafiu also inspected facilities at the NYSC South-West Area Office II in Abeokuta, as well as the NYSC Ogun State Secretariat.
