Why you must embrace self-employment – NYSC DG
Corps members deployed to Yobe State for the mandatory National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) have been urged to remain diligent and dedicated in the discharge of their duties at their various places of primary assignments.
NYSC DG, Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim gave the advice on Thursday during his debriefing at the terminal parade and official closing ceremony of the 2022 Batch ‘A’, Stream II Orientation Course in Yobe.
The DG said, “As I said during my previous addresses to you, white-collar jobs are no longer easy to come by, hence, the need to embrace the self-employed option.
“Accordingly, the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme has been carefully designed to equip you for self-employment and wealth creation, of course, the level of enthusiasm you demonstrated during the vocational and entrepreneurial training conducted in camp is commendable”, he stressed.
He further encouraged them to build on the skills acquired by availing themselves of opportunities for post-camp training adding, “It may interest you to know that the desire to make the SAED programme more impactful partly informed our advocacy for the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund”.
READ ALSO: NYSC DG seeks stakeholders support on health initiative for rural dwellers
He assured that once it becomes operational, the quality of the programme will be further enhanced through the provision of adequate training materials and the engagement of more specialist trainers.
According to him, “All trainees with bankable business proposals will also be supported with start-up grants, You will, in turn, be expected to step down vocational training or employ a good number of youths of your host community. That way, we will be pulling millions of Nigerians out of poverty, thereby stemming the tide of youth restiveness and a tendency for criminality.”
The DG who was represented by the NYSC Coordinator, Yobe State, Hajiya Hafsat Yerima thanked the House of Representatives and the entire National Assembly for the progress made so far on the legislative processes on the bill for the establishment of the Trust Fund, which has not only passed through the second reading but also subjected to the public hearing.
In the same vein, he thanked the numerous stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, various government agencies, non-governmental organisations, the academia, civil society organisations as well as women, youth and students’ groups, who used the occasion of the public hearing to voice their overwhelming support for the bill.
“I wish to passionately appeal to the appropriate authorities to facilitate the success of the remaining processes that will bring the Trust Fund to fruition”, he said.
Similarly, the NYSC boss called on the graduates to integrate into their host communities by learning languages and cultures as well as devote time to identify the needs of the communities and initiate personal and group community development service projects that will uplift their living standards, while assuring them that their welfare and security remains topmost priority on his list.
“In this regard, we have sustained our liaison with security agencies and other stakeholders with the view of not only ensuring your safety but also making the essential provisions that will enable you to have a fulfilling service year.”
“We expect you to play your own part by being security conscious at all times. You must avoid risky engagements such as staying out late at night, attendance of late-night parties, visitation to dangerous places, and acceptance of car rides from strangers.”
He also warned that social vices such as drug abuse and trafficking, cybercrime and advanced fee fraud will not be condoned and anyone caught will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the NYSC Bye-Laws.
“I enjoin you to be law-abiding at all times and be good ambassadors of the NYSC and your families. You are also strongly advised to use social media for positive purposes instead of promoting rumours, fake news, hatred as well as ethnic jingoism”, he added.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
){kind=link}