By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
The Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, has charged corps members to take advantage of activities at their orientation camps to develop positive mindsets.
Olawande also charged the corps members to develop their skills through the Nigeria Youths Academy (NiYA).
Olawande gave the charge at the 2024 Batch A Stream 1 Orientation Course Cultural Carnival held on Saturday at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos State.
The Minster added that the Skills Acquisition Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) was aimed at encouraging corps members to develop their skills, believe in themselves, national unity and Nigeria.
Olawande said that the NiYA internship programme was provided for youths to acquire more skills through free digital trainings.
“ This is the reason we set up NiYA and put it with companies to make unemployment rate to come down.
“Many of us spend too much time on social media, let our youths spend some time to learn skills.
”I encourage you to believe in yourself and our nation, Nigeria.
“ Say good things about Nigeria, let’s take advantage of the orientation camp to re-orientate ourselves.
“We have a duty to change the country. By this event, we are showing our love and the love we have for our cultures. Let us try to show it even when we are out of this camp,” he charged.
He said that, with love, Nigerians could live in peace and harmony and have a prosperous country.
“Most importantly, let us believe in this country with commitment, character and competence.
“If you are committed to this country, you can bring innovative ideas that can change lives,” the minister said.
Earlier, Mrs Yetunde Baderinwa, the Coordinator of NYSC in Lagos State, told the minister that corps members in the state had exhibited spirit of nationalism, dedication and resolve to serve the country.
Baderinwa added that the corps members were disciplined, resourceful and resilient.
“I see leaders – presidents, senators, ambassadors, captains of industries and more.
“ In spite of the obvious fact that the corps member are from different social-cultural and religious backgrounds, they all see themselves as brothers and sisters from one big family, Nigeria.
“ I am, therefore, happy to present to you, reputable leaders, future ministers, global world changers, leaders of industries and more,” Baderinwa said.
She, however, disclosed that a corp member in the batch was de-kitted for refusal to comply with ideals of the scheme.
According to the coordinator, the corps member’s code number had been re-assigned to another corps member.
She said that all camp activities had been progressing accordingly.