Director General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Yusha’u Ahmed has been conferred with a chieftaincy title of Dike Ora 1 of Umuawulu in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The title was conferred to the NYSC boss by traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Joel Egwuonwu who is coincidentally the monarch of the community housing the Nnamdi Azikiwe Unity Orientation camp.
The DG appreciated the community for finding him worthy of the honour, describing it as in tandem with NYSC principles of unity and respect of nation’s diverse and rich cultural heritage.
“When I was informed about the chieftaincy title, I didn’t hesitate because that’s exactly what the NYSC is preaching, unity and oneness, respect of our diverse and rich cultures.
“We’ll continue to partner with state governments to ensure camp facilities, especially the halls receive facelift and to accommodate increasing number of corps members being chunned out annually,” he added.
Addressing corps members earlier during their cultural carnival, NYSC boss urged corps members to make up their minds to serve in any part of the country they were deployed for their one year mandatory service.
He cautioned them against seeking for redeployment but to rather settle down and contribute their quota to the growth and development of their state of deployment.
The DG who was in the camp on the spot assessment visit, also urged corps members to take their security seriously.
He said, “I urge you to respect the culture and traditions of your host community. Remain peaceful and resilient as you add value to the community you’re posted to.
“Take your security seriously. Take time to read the instructions in your manual and abide by them accordingly. Your security is our concern, but no one can secure you more than yourself.”
Underscoring the importance of Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Development of the Scheme, Ahmed urged corps members to take advantage of the programme to become not just self reliant, but job and wealth creators after their service year.
“Skills acquisition is designed to make you independent, self reliance and productive. Federal government is out to ensure youths are supported and empowered so they can stand on their own.
“Thousands of your predecessors who maximize the opportunity are now independent. Many enjoyed several of such government support in collaboration with private organizations, including soft loans provided at no interest.
“Some who were privileged to be given opportunities in government establishments even declined such privileges because they’ve seen better place to earn a living.
“I’m sure you’re aware the top richest people in this country are not government officials, but independent businessmen. Don’t allow the service opportunity pass you by without making good use of it.”
Earlier, State Coordinator, NYSC, Mrs Blessing Iruma appreciated the DG for the choice of Anambra to be among the camps to be visited.
She listed some benefits of the Cultural Carnival to include exposing the Nigerian youths to rich cultural diversities and language of the country as well as collapsing all forms of social, gender, religious barriers and extends the hands of fellowship across the cultural groups.
“Cultural Carnival stimulates in Corps Members unusual creativities and innovations; it helps reduce prejudices about certain cultures and boosts economic activities across communities.
“It is for the promotion of local content e.g. local/native fabrics and attires; It is an avenue to learn from different cultures without losing your identity; politically, we stand to understand ourselves better,” she said.
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