The Ekiti State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Alhaji Riko Abdullahi Shuaibu, has encouraged corps members in the state to be employers of labour rather than embracing the growing japa syndrome, urging them to remain committed to the development of the country rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
Shuaibu gave the advice in Ado-Ekiti during activities marking the 53rd anniversary celebration of the NYSC Scheme across the country.
Speaking with journalists, the Coordinator encouraged corps members to become employers of labour through entrepreneurship and skills acquisition, stressing that Nigeria still possesses enormous potential and resources capable of providing opportunities for young people if properly harnessed.
According to him, abandoning the country because of its present socio-economic challenges would not solve the nation’s problems, adding that patriotic citizens must contribute to rebuilding Nigeria.
Speaking on the significance of the celebration, Shuaibu noted that the NYSC Scheme was designed to raise productive and self-reliant youths rather than graduates waiting for white-collar jobs or ready-made economy.
He highlighted the contributions of the NYSC Scheme to national development over the past 53 years, describing it as a strong platform for promoting national unity, discipline and grassroots development.
He noted that corps members in Ekiti State had continued to make significant impacts in host communities through Community Development Service (CDS) projects, health outreaches, environmental sanitation campaigns, educational support programmes and sensitisation activities.
According to him, several underserved communities across the state have benefited from free medical check-ups, health awareness campaigns, renovation of public facilities and humanitarian interventions initiated by corps members.
His words, “My advice to corps members is that this issue of japa, that is leaving the country for another country searching for greener pastures, Nigeria is our own country. Why won’t we stay here and salvage it together? Why won’t we stay behind and develop our own country?
“The moment you run away because of the situation of the country, you are a coward. That is what we call people that don’t have the country at heart. Anybody who believes in Nigeria will stay here and see how we can mend our errors.
“Nigeria is not totally bad. Nigeria is a country with great roots. How can we try and tap it? That is our own problem”.
“We are not trying to groom youths that are looking for only a ready-made economy. We are creating youths that will create their own economy and improve it. We have the resources, the ability and even the manpower. Our youths are intelligent.
“I will advise them that they should stop going out. Let them try and create jobs by themselves and let us salvage Nigeria ourselves”.
Some corps members who spoke during the anniversary celebration also commended the Scheme for shaping their lives positively and equipping them with leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
The Editorial Vice President of CDS, Eziokwu Iruoma Chiamaka, said the Scheme had taught her discipline, resilience and patience, saying
“NYSC generally has had a very good impact on my life. I have been privileged to lead in different capacities, from being a platoon leader in camp to serving as corps camp director and now vice president editorial at CDS.
“It has taught me discipline, hard work, resilience and patience. Dealing with different people has also helped me grow. I am proud to be a corps member”.
Another CDS Leader, Samson Moses, described the NYSC as a vital platform for fostering unity among Nigerian youths from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
He said the Scheme had helped participants build meaningful relationships while also empowering them through the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.
“NYSC has helped us learn skills and become independent youths. Most people come into service without skills, but after service they go home with something they can use to earn a living.
“It has taught us endurance, unity and cooperation. Serving in Ekiti has shown us that with oneness we can achieve a lot together,” he added.
