CBN, BOI partner NYSC to empower Corps members

The National Youths Service Corps is collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Industry (BOI) and the NYSC Foundation, among others, to empower Corps Members with loans to finance their businesses.

The Director-General of the National Youths Service Corps, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, gave the advice to all the Corps members in all the Orientation Camps through video conferencing.

The DG also used the medium to advise Corps Members undergoing the 2021 Batch ‘A’ Stream One Orientation to utilise the opportunities of the service year to equip, develop and empower themselves, and impact positively on humanity.

He said the video conference was part of the globally adopted approaches to the conduct of socio-economic activities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Director-General said there were mechanisms put in place to monitor the conduct of every Corps Member during the service year, adding that anyone that violates NYSC Bye-Laws would be sanctioned.

He admonished them to accept their postings in good faith and contribute their quota to the development of their host communities.

Ibrahim then emphasized the importance of teamwork and the need to use their stay in the Orientation Camp to build relationships that would enhance national unity.

“Think of what you can do to affect humanity positively during your service year. Abide by the rules in your place of primary assignment. Pursue your dreams with passion, and avoid cutting corners”, he said.

Ibrahim advised the Corps Members to embrace the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme of the Scheme that was aimed at empowering them for self-employment and wealth creation.

He also enjoined them to equally avail themselves of the youth empowerment programmes of the Federal Government, including the seventy-five billion Naira Nigerian Youth Investment Fund and the National Young Farmers’ Scheme.

“Take the Skill Acquisition training seriously; don’t waste your time waiting for unavailable salaried jobs”, he said.

The Director-General also warned the Corps Members against night parties and night journeys.

He further advised them against travelling without permission from NYSC, saying anyone caught would be penalized.

He advised them to board vehicles from designated motor parks only.

“Take your security very serious, avoid lone movements and do not make yourself available to criminals”, the Director-General said.

Ibrahim warned the Corps Members against the negative use of social media, but instead, use it to promote the unity of the country.