NYSC DG Assures Corps Members of Rugged Training, Urges Full Participation

NYSC DG Assures Corps Members of Rugged Training, Urges Full Participation

By Matthew Eloyi

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed has assured corps members that they will not regret their participation in all camp activities, which are designed to prepare them for future challenges.

Speaking during a working visit to the Kaduna State NYSC orientation camp on Wednesday, Ahmed addressed the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members, emphasizing that the regimented camp activities were structured to build discipline and resilience. “These activities are meant to make you rugged and enable you to withstand the rigours of life,” he said.

Ahmed acknowledged that many of the corps members were accustomed to comfort before their call to serve the nation but reminded them that the regimented nature of all NYSC camps across the country is essential. He encouraged them to actively engage in the camp exercises within their capacity, noting that such participation would also help shape them into good leaders.

The Director-General also advised corps members with medical conditions to avoid hiding their challenges but encouraged full participation in activities if they were healthy.

Ahmed further urged the corps members to take advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, which he said has produced successful entrepreneurs, including billionaires.

He explained that the scheme partners with organizations that offer interest-free loans to corps members, and urged them to embrace the skills for financial independence after their service year.

On safety, Ahmed reiterated his commitment to the security and welfare of the corps members but stressed that they also bore the responsibility of safeguarding themselves. “You are in the best position to secure yourselves by not undermining your safety. The scheme does not deploy to dangerous areas,” he said.

He cautioned against night travels and accepting rides from strangers, advising the corps members to always patronize designated motor parks. “The scheme has lost many corps members to night travels. Travelling during the day is safer in the unfortunate event of accidents,” Ahmed said.

The Director-General also called on the corps members to positively impact their places and communities of primary assignment by respecting local norms and traditions.

In his address, Ahmed reminded the corps members to adhere strictly to NYSC’s social media regulations. He commended the camp commandant and other officials for maintaining discipline despite the large number of corps members.

Earlier, the NYSC Kaduna State Coordinator, Mr Hassan Taura, revealed that 2,615 corps members—1,976 for Kaduna State and 639 for Abuja—were undergoing orientation at the camp. He assured that the camp community was fully secured, adding that the corps members had displayed commendable discipline despite some challenges.

Taura also disclosed that the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) had fulfilled his promise to construct a borehole at the camp, alleviating water shortages.

In appreciation of their discipline and regimentation, Ahmed pledged four cows for the corps members and declared a one-day break from camp activities. He also awarded cash gifts to those who excelled in a dance presentation, recognizing their efforts in showcasing discipline and teamwork.