The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Suleiman Zakare Kazaure, has declared that the time of national service is a period of sacrifice.
He made the assertion during his interactive session with corps members at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Ogbakuta, Iseyin, Oyo State.
He said corps members should see their participation in the national service as a preparatory assignment to take up the leadership positions in not too far away distance.
“My children in the national service, your mobilisation and consequent deployment to state of service means you are going there to break new grounds and make some sacrifice…
“My patriotic Nigerians, you are our hope and future leaders that are being mentally and psychologically prepared to take up the position of trust and authority in this country.
“To be able to withstand the demands required of that challenging task, you need to curtail your absolute freedom and live a life of service to develop this nation,” he said.
General Kazaure said that it was worrisome that educated, able, strong and energetic youths roamed the streets after their mandatory one year service to the nation.
“To stem this tide, the NYSC through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme in conjunction with financial institutions and empowerment agencies is giving a new lease of life to corps members.
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“Ensure you take advantage of the one in lifetime opportunity to become great entrepreneurs and captains of industries which will translate to improved Gross Domestic Product and a better life for all Nigerians”.
Welcoming the Director General, the State Coordinator, Mrs. Ifeoma Anidobi, reported that the camp registered 2304 corps members for the three states in which Kwara had 640, Ogun got 688 and Oyo recorded 976 respectively.
Mrs. Anidobi said the camp required urgent intervention in the area of multipurpose hall to accommodate lectures and other indoor activities.
Another important area, she said, was the construction of parade ground as the present sports ground which serves dual purposes affects time management.
The high point of the visit was the inauguration of the Mini OBS Studio by the Director General completed by Mrs. Ifeoma Anidobi.
The visit had in attendance Director, Special Duties, Mr. Hilary Nasamu; Director, Press and Public Relations Unit, Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi; the Ogun State Coordinator, Mr. John Okpo and his Kwara State counterpart, Mr. Remigius Amaefule.