The director-general of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has urged corps members to embrace the Scheme’s skills acquisition programmes.

Mr Nafiu said the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Department (SAED) was designed to prevent corps members from the frustration of waiting for white-collar jobs after service.

He gave the charge during a visit to Batch B Stream II corps members at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Iseyin, Oyo State, on Saturday.

The DG noted that the NYSC had signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with banks, NNPC, and other partners to provide start-up grants for self-employment opportunities.

He advised corps members to believe in Nigeria and make wise choices when opportunities arose to contribute meaningfully to national development.

“Don’t wait for government. Learn skills during service to help yourself and support others through employment.

“You are the nation’s future. Nigeria relies on your skills, intellect, and leadership in its journey to greatness,” Mr Nafiu said.

He also encouraged corps members to cultivate a savings culture from their monthly allowance to start small-scale businesses after service.

Mr Nafiu urged corps members to respect the culture of their host communities and avoid unauthorised travels or political activities.

The NYSC Oyo State coordinator, Kayode Peters, commended the state government and stakeholders for their continued support of the scheme.

Mr Peters pledged to uphold NYSC’s operational standards and appealed for improved accommodation facilities for corps members at the camp.

He assured the DG of the staff’s continued loyalty, hard work, and dedication to the ideals of the scheme.

(NAN)