Leadership starts now, be good ambassadors Nigeria, NYSC DG tasks outgoing corps members
Leadership starts now, be good ambassadors Nigeria, NYSC DG tasks outgoing corps members
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
The Director General
National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has charged 2026 passing-out corps members to see their service year as the beginning of greater responsibilities, urging them to become leaders and good ambassadors of the Scheme.
Gen. Nafiu spoke through the NYSC
State Coordinator in Abia
Mr Yunusa Tanimu, on Thursday in Umuahia the state capital during the passing-out ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members.
The DG commended the corps members for their dedication, selflessness and commitment over the past one year.
He noted that their contributions in education, healthcare, agriculture, technology and other spheres of development had endeared them to Nigerians and enhanced the visibility of the NYSC.
“In your places of primary assignment, we have received reports about your diligence and performance of duty.
“In the various communities you served, your contributions towards development through the Community Development Service, CDS, have been well noted. For this, the nation is grateful.” he said.
He reminded the corps members that the service year was only a “test run” for greater service to the nation.
“Like I’ve always pointed out, the slogan ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’ does not apply to you. That is a slogan for school children. For you, that leadership starts now,” the DG stated.
He added that the Scheme deliberately prepared them for roles as bureaucrats, entrepreneurs, political appointees and other areas of leadership, and urged them to “go out there and unleash those great potentials in you.”
The DG advised corps members seeking white-collar jobs to package themselves well and be ready for competitive selection processes. He also urged them to pursue certifications and digital skills.
For those going into business, he encouraged them to start small, be resilient, and leverage aggressive marketing and digital technology.
“Make use of digital technology instead of wasting time doing bullshitting around social media. Use that to market your products. That is what smart people do today,” he said.
“Do not be afraid or ashamed of starting small. A lot of big businesses today started out as small businesses. Pursue your dream with passion.”
He further urged them to remain law-abiding, patriotic and avoid ethnic and religious sentiments.
“Be and remain in the vanguard for the promotion of national unity and integration, which is one of the core objectives of the NYSC,” he said.
The DG also discouraged the ‘Japa’ syndrome, saying greater opportunities abound in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is a very vital land with lots of opportunities. For every problem you see in this environment translates into an opportunity for you. You provide solutions and you also grow yourself economically.”
He concluded by congratulating the corps members and charging them to “develop yourself, go out there and make the change that we desire.”
Photo: Across section of outgoing 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members