In a significant ceremony held on Thursday, a total of 1,393 members of the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream I Corps, comprising 881 males and 512 females, proudly received their Certificates of National Service in Bauchi State, marking the successful completion of their one-year commitment to the nation.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of entrepreneurship development during these trying economic times. Mrs. Rifkatu Yakubu, the Bauchi State Coordinator of the NYSC, urged all Corps members to leverage the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training they received while in camp to navigate the current economic difficulties plaguing the country.
During the certificate presentation, Mrs. Yakubu highlighted, “This initiative will not only empower you to overcome economic hardships but also enable you to become employers of labor and contributors to the national economy.” She encouraged the Corps members to actively implement the skills acquired during their service, underscoring that traditional white-collar jobs have become increasingly scarce.
For those who may have missed the opportunity to participate in the SAED program during their service year, Mrs. Yakubu reassured them that it was never too late to start. She congratulated the Corps members for their dedication and resilience, advising them to prioritize safety during their journeys home by avoiding night travels and breaking long journeys into manageable segments.
In her closing remarks, she cautioned against engaging in social vices, stressing that such actions could have dire consequences not only for the individuals involved but also for their families and the NYSC’s reputation. “Be a good ambassador of the NYSC, your alma mater, and your country,” she urged.
The ceremony also celebrated notable achievements, with Kaan Martina Seerdoon receiving the prestigious Chairman Honours Award of merit. Many Corps members expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to serve in Bauchi, sharing their experiences of joy and fulfillment despite the numerous challenges faced during their service year. They commended the host communities for their support, reflecting on the enriching experiences that made their time in service memorable.