By Leonard Okachie
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Abia has charged corps members to use their service year to positively impact their host communities and uphold the ideals of the scheme.
The state NYSC Coordinator, Alhaji Yunusa Tanimu, gave the charge during the closing ceremony and terminal parade for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Orientation Course.
The low-key event took place at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Umunna, in Bende Local Government Area (LGA).
Tanimu said that the 21-day orientation course had transformed the corps members from graduates of diverse backgrounds into “one national family, united by a common purpose.
“Three weeks ago, you arrived here as young graduates from different institutions, ethnic backgrounds, cultures, and faiths.
“Today, you stand before us as members of one national family,” Tanimu said.
He congratulated them on behalf of the NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, on their successful completion of the orientation course.
He also relayed Gov. Alex Otti’s message that the Abia Government remained committed to youth development and innovation.
He urged them to heed the governor’s charge to serve selflessly wherever they were posted for the primary assignment.
“Whether you are posted to a school, hospital, government establishment, agricultural enterprise, or rural community, remember that you are ambassadors of national unity and agents of positive change,” he said.
Tanimu also encouraged them to take the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development and Community Development Service programmes seriously.
“These are not mere requirements of the service year; they are pathways to self-development, self-reliance, and future prosperity.
“Your service year may become the turning point from seeking employment to becoming an employer of labour,” he said.
He warned corps members against night travel and advised that any journey extending beyond 6:00 p.m. should be broken at the nearest NYSC Secretariat, military formation or police station.
He further urged them to respect the customs of their host communities and shun cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, and other anti-social behaviour.
“Your actions reflect not only on you as individuals but also on the image and reputation of the NYSC scheme,” he said.
Tanimu expressed appreciation to Otti for his support to corps members, and the LGA chairmen and host communities for improving corps lodges.
He also commended camp officials, collaborating agencies, and medical personnel for ensuring a successful orientation.
“You are not merely leaders of tomorrow; throughout the next one year, you are leaders of today, entrusted with the responsibility of building bridges and advancing national development,” he said.
(NAN)
