The Editor
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General O.O Nafiu, on Friday, paid an official visit to the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Anambra State, where he interacted with the 1,186 freshly enlisted corps members and commended them for their discipline and enthusiasm.
Nafiu engaged the young graduates in an interactive session and urged them to see their one-year service, not merely as a mandatory obligation, but as a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national development.
In his keynote address, Nafiu underscored the importance of the orientation phase in instilling values such as discipline, unity, and team spirit, and reminded the corps members of the significance of the NYSC Anthem, describing it as more than a song, but a daily guide to purposeful service.
He said, “See your one-year service, not merely as a mandatory obligation, but as a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national development. Ensure active participation in lectures and the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.
“Be financially discipline and cultivate a saving culture. Respect the customs and traditions of host communities, be responsible in the use of social media and digital platforms. Have mutual respect for corps members and NYSC officials.”
Adding a personal touch to the visit, the DG joined corps members in celebrating several birthdays during the event, cutting a symbolic cake and lightening the mood with a spontaneous dance moment to the tune of “Lonely at the Top” played by the camp’s observation squad.
In a gesture of goodwill, Nafiu donated two cows to the camp, a move that was met with loud cheers and appreciation from the corps members.
His visit left behind a charged atmosphere of patriotism and renewed commitment. In his final charge, he implored the youths to regard their service year as a transformative platform—not just for personal growth, but as a foundational step towards national renaissance.
Earlier, the event kicked off with a warm welcome address from the Anambra State Coordinator, Mrs Pauline Ojisua, who praised the professionalism and orderliness displayed by the 1,186 corps members currently undergoing orientation—comprising 679 males and 507 females. She described the DG’s visit as both an honour and a morale booster for the state.
Cultural vibrancy took center stage as Platoon 5 treated the audience to a dynamic Edo cultural dance performance that drew thunderous applause and set a festive tone for the proceedings.
