NYSC Graduates 1,298 Corps Members in Anambra, Urges Self-Reliance

 

Anambra State – In a subdued yet significant ceremony on Thursday, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra State witnessed the successful completion of the service year for 1,298 Corps members from the 2024 Batch A Stream II. The event, held across multiple zonal offices, including Awka, Aguata, Onitsha, and Nnewi, marked the transition of these young Nigerians into the next chapter of their lives.

The State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Blessing Ekene Iruma, presided over the occasion, congratulating the Corps members on their dedication and perseverance throughout the service year. She disclosed that of the 1,298 graduates, 575 were male, while 723 were female, highlighting the consistent commitment of young Nigerians to national service.

However, the journey was not without its setbacks. Mrs. Iruma revealed that disciplinary measures had to be taken against some Corps members. Seven individuals—five males and two females—were placed on an extension of service due to various infractions, while 28 others were declared absconded, a reminder of the scheme’s strict adherence to discipline and accountability.

The ceremony was tinged with sorrow as Mrs. Iruma announced the unfortunate demise of two Corps members during the service year. Though their passing cast a somber mood over the event, the NYSC Coordinator emphasized that their contributions to the program would not be forgotten.

A Call for Self-Reliance and Innovation

Addressing the Corps members at Amawbia, the headquarters of Awka South Local Government Area, Mrs. Iruma urged them to carry the values instilled in them during their service year into their future endeavors. She underscored the importance of the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme, encouraging them to apply the knowledge gained in order to carve out sustainable livelihoods for themselves.

“The skills you gained during this service year should equip you to create opportunities for yourselves, rather than relying on non-existent white-collar jobs. Let your ingenuity lead the way,” she charged.

Her remarks reflected the growing emphasis on self-employment and entrepreneurship, a reality many Nigerian youths face due to the limited availability of conventional employment opportunities. Through the SAED initiative, Corps members had been trained in various vocational and entrepreneurial skills, ranging from fashion design and agriculture to digital marketing and tech-related innovations.

The NYSC’s Enduring Mission

Despite the challenges encountered during the service year, Mrs. Iruma reiterated the NYSC’s commitment to national development and youth empowerment. She described the scheme as a crucial vehicle for fostering unity among Nigerians and equipping young people with the necessary tools to contribute meaningfully to the country’s socio-economic progress.

Beyond skill acquisition, the NYSC has long been recognized for its role in national integration, as Corps members are deployed to states outside their regions of origin, fostering cultural exchange and unity. This, Mrs. Iruma stressed, remains one of the strongest pillars of the scheme, even as it continues to evolve to meet the changing demands of the nation.

Encouraging the outgoing Corps members to embody the values of discipline, hard work, and patriotism, she reminded them that their time in the NYSC was not merely a phase but a stepping stone to greater opportunities.

A Ceremony Marking New Beginnings

Though the passing out event was held in a low-key manner, it carried deep significance for the graduates, symbolizing the culmination of a year of service, sacrifice, and growth. For many, it was a moment to reflect on the friendships forged, the challenges surmounted, and the lessons learned along the way.

As they received their certificates, the newly discharged Corps members took their final bow as NYSC participants, stepping into a future that holds both promise and uncertainty. With the echoes of Mrs. Iruma’s words still fresh in their minds, they faced the road ahead with renewed determination, knowing that their service to the nation did not end with the NYSC, but had only just begun.