NYSC 2023 New Year Message to corps members, staff

The year 2022 has been an eventful and historic moment for the National Youth Service Corps. We congratulate Corps Members for sustaining the vision of the Scheme through various interventions that continuously promote national unity, integration, and development of the critical sectors of our national economy.

I wish to particularly commend your patriotic zeal to render selfless service to the nation by accepting the clarion call as enshrined in the National Youth Service Corps Act. Indeed, you must be applauded for accepting your deployment in good faith to various states of Service and subsequent postings to respective places of Primary Assignments. This practice has facilitated the rapid development of various host communities across the country for about five decades and helped to sustain the increasing relevance of the Scheme to national development.

May I also use this medium to commend Corps Members who, in the course of national service, represented their respective  States of Service in various competitions and events  organized by the Scheme and other national engagements. Such commendable  gesture and commitment by Corps members no doubt encourages national unity and integration and should therefore be sustained.

May I equally remind you that the year 2023 provides another opportunity for the Scheme to prove its worth as an indispensable, unbiased umpire and a critical element in strengthening the credibility and successful conduct of the 2023 General Elections and National Census. Be informed that the integrity of the Scheme is paramount in this regard.As worthy Ambassadors, you must be ready to uphold the good name of the Scheme at all times.

Nigerians regard Corps members as role models and future leaders of the nation. I, therefore, urge you all to eschew all forms of religious and ethnic bigotry, cultism, bribery, corruption, and other social vices in the discharge of your national assignments.

I assure you that the Management of the Scheme and all category of Officers will be on routine visits to monitor your conduct and ensure the provision of adequate welfare packages for you to carry out your duties in the national interest.

While appreciating Government at all levels for their support, we must redouble our commitment and collective efforts towards sustaining the relevance and invaluable contributions of the Scheme to national development. Be rest assured that Nigerians of all shades of opinion appreciate your selfless service to the nation. Management will, in accordance with the provisions of the enabling Act of the Scheme, identify Corps members who distinguished themselves in the course of national service and  reward them accordingly.

In the course of the Service Year, we are determined to sustain our  collaboration with relevant stakeholders towards providing the enabling environment  for a productive and rewarding experience for Corps members in active service to the nation. 

Already, Management is introducing measures aimed at strengthening the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme with a view to create a sustainable platform for  wealth creation and self reliant opportunities for Corps members.

In furtherance of our agenda towards sustaining the gains of various empowerment strategies available in the Scheme, Management initiated the  NYSC TRUST FUND bill to primarily provide Start-up Capital for Corps Entrepreneurs. We are optimistic that when signed into law, the trust fund will support and place Corps members in a vantage position to drive the development of our national economy to an enviable height.

Indeed, the new year 2023 looks promising as we all look forward to the Golden Jubilee celebration of the establishment of the Scheme; 1973-2023. I, therefore, wish to call on both Staff and Corps members, Stakeholders, and our teeming public to join hands with us towards consolidating on the gains of previous administrations and chart a prosperous future for the Service Corps.

I once again congratulate and wish you a memorable, rewarding, and prosperous New Year.

Thank you, and God bless

Mrs. Christy Uba, FNCS, MCPN, FCIA

Ag. Director General,

National Youth Service Corps