Be wealth creator, NYSC tells corps members
August 8, 2026 12:01 am
File: Corps members
The National Youth Service Corps has charged corps members to acquire skills and create jobs for others instead of waiting for white-collar jobs after service.
This charge was made by the NYSC Coordinator in Jigawa State, Mohammed Baba, while speaking during the swearing-in of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course held on Friday at Yakubu Gowon NYSC Orientation Camp, Fanisau, in Dutse, the state capital.
Baba congratulated the new corps members on completing their studies.
“I congratulate you on the successful completion of your academic programmes from your various tertiary institutions across the globe,” he said.
He described their deployment to Jigawa as a unique national assignment, stating that “your deployment to Jigawa State – the ‘New World’ – is a unique call to National service. I welcome you warmly to a land known for its rich cultural heritage, hospitality, peace, and industrial potential.”
The Coordinator, who explained the purpose of the three-week orientation course, said that, “The essence of the three-week orientation course is meticulously structured to provide you with the physical, mental, and psychological preparation needed for the service year.”
Baba said the camp environment was designed to build character, adding that, “The regimented lifestyle of the camp is deliberately designed to foster discipline, resilience, and teamwork,” he stated.
“Today, you will take the solemn Oath of Allegiance administered by the representative of the Chief Judge. This oath is not a mere ritual; it is a profound commitment to serve our fatherland with dedication, humility, and patriotism,” Baba stated.
Furthermore, the Coordinator urged the corps members to obey camp rules. “I urge you to study the NYSC bye-laws carefully and adhere strictly to all camp rules and regulations,” he said.
He then charged them to embrace skills acquisition.
“To shield you from post-graduation unemployment, the NYSC has vibrant Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED, programmes running on this camp. I charge you to take the SAED practical training sessions with total seriousness,” he stated.
Baba told them to focus on becoming employers.
“Choose a skill set, master it, and prepare yourself to become a wealth creator and employer of labour rather than a job seeker,” the NYSC Coordinator charged.
He therefore reassured the new corps members of their safety throughout the service year.
He, however, warned them to be security conscious.
“Security is a collective responsibility. I strongly advise you to avoid night journeys, keep away from unauthorized movements, and stay clear of social vices such as drug abuse, cultism, and partisan politics. Be vigilant and conscious of your immediate environment at all times,” Baba stated.
The Coordinator appreciated the state government and other stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to the welfare of corps members and their immense support for the scheme in the state.
Earlier, the new batch of corps members were administered the Oath of Allegiance by the Jigawa State Chief Judge, represented by Justice Amina Dahiru.
Speaking shortly after the ceremony, a new corps member posted in the current batch to Jigawa State, Ashiru Lawan, said he was ready to learn a skill.
“I will take the SAED training seriously. I want to learn catering so that after service I can employ other youths instead of waiting for government job,” he told PUNCH correspondent.
Another corps member deployed also to the state, Musaddiq Bala, said he was inspired by the speech. “The Coordinator’s message is clear. I will choose tailoring during SAED. My goal is to be a wealth creator and not just a job seeker,” he said.
Our correspondent reports that the ceremony was attended by families of the new corps members, representatives of security agencies, traditional rulers, and senior Jigawa State Government officials, among others.
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