Sagamu (Ogun) – President Muhammadu Buhari has urged youths in the country to uphold the tenets of patriotism in national service to enable them to support the change philosophy of the Federal Government.
The president made the call on Friday during the swearing-in of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Batch ‘A’ Stream I members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Sagamu, Ogun.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president’s message was delivered by Mr Afolabi Afuape, Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Ogun, who represented the state’s governor, Mr Ibikunle Amosun.
Buhari commended the resilience of Nigerian youths in serving in the NYSC scheme in spite of various challenges confronting the nation, especially the insecurity in parts of the country.
“This is cheering news for the government that is currently scouting for Nigerians with zeal and determination to join in selfless service to the nation.
“Government places high premium on the youths and corps members under the NYSC scheme who will form the bedrock in the change philosophy drive.
“For the part of this administration, we are determined to make huge investments in the NYSC programme to check the infrastructure deficit in the scheme due to dwindling resource allocation.
“The seemingly intimidating obstacles should not dampen your zeal to make the desired sacrifice to serve your fatherland to achieve national growth and development.
“I enjoin you to be selfless in all your activities both in camp and at your places of primary assignment thereafter; the change we desire begins with you,’’ he told the corps members.
The president expressed sadness at the poor state of the economy inherited by his administration, including the level of youth unemployment.
“The collapse of industries and the eventual over-bearing pressures to grab public jobs has put the nation in a sorry state, employment wise.
“That is why this administration is anxious to recover illicit wealth to channel them to productive economic ventures to absorb thousands into employment,’’ he said.
He urged the corps members to embrace the remedial strategies put in place by public and private institutions dedicated to prepare them for self-employment post-service.
Buhari said that NYSC Community Development Service should create a platform for impacting positively on host communities and implored corps members to imbibe contentment culture and shun negative social vices.
In his speech, NYSC Coordinator in the state, Mr James Afolayan, said that the scheme would continue to complement efforts of the state government in education and healthcare delivery.
“We will continue to deploy corps members to all identified area of needs, especially the rural communities where we shall implement advocacy programmes of interest,’’ Afolayan said.
He said that a total of 1,736 corps members were registered for the orientation at the camp, which commenced on Wednesday.
The number, he said, comprised 800 males and 936 females. (NAN)
FG places premium on youths as change agents – Buhari
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