As Nigeria strives to grapple with the challenges of insecurity, social vices and youth restiveness, members of the outgoing 2020 Batch A of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been enjoined to into the larger society and serve as agents of positive change.
The Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, gave the advice when he addressed the NYSC members in the outgoing batch who served in his office at the Treasury House, Abuja.
The Corps members who were in his office on a farewell visit as they completed their service year thanked the AGF for the conducive working environment and hospitality they enjoyed accorded during their service in his office.
While addressing them, the AGF said amidst reports of ethnic conflicts in parts of the country, it was important for the former corps members to return back to their communities and be good ambassadors by eschewing these vices in the society.
“The country is facing difficulties because of the growing insecurity, social vices and youth restiveness in different parts of the country. The solutions lie in you. Our prayer is for you to go out there and make Nigeria an asset for yourself and all of us. You can begin to change the narrative for good by continuing to be good ambassadors in your various communities.
“You should be a true reflection of the Nigeria we desire to see; the Nigeria that we desire to live in; the Nigeria that will accommodate each and every other Nigerian. I urge you to imbibe the spirit of accommodation, tolerance and togetherness. I urge you to play positive roles in nation building, to be patriotic, to be nationalistic”, he said.
The AGF who reminded the corps members that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop, advised that instead of staying idle, they should utilize the knowledge gathered during their years as students and later as corp members to make good use of the opportunities that abound in the country.
He said with the level of education they have attained so far, the corps members have stood out among their peers, and the society expects them to display high level of responsibility.
Warning that they should not engage in acts that would discredit the height they have attained during the service year, the AGF assured the corps members that he would personally monitor their progress wherever they are.
“You’re privileged among your peers and age mates, particularly as you’re already graduates. More so, you have served the nation and are about to be given certificates of service. Don’t go and make this height that you have attained to be as if you have not achieved anything. You are a true reflection of Nigeria. Make the best use of it”, he said.
On the use of the social media, AGF Idris noted that sharing negative contents on the social media to discredit the government or its functionaries could instigate widespread violence.
He advised the young graduates to be mindful of their actions and conducts on the social media because these have the potential and potency to divide the country.
While wishing the corps members well in their future endeavours, the AGF reminded them that success does not come cheaply, adding that they should be ready to continue to work hard, bear the cost and pay the price for success.
Earlier, the outgoing 2020 Batch A Corps Members presented an Award to the AGF as a mark of appreciation and recognition of his selfless service to humanity and the nation.
The leader of the delegation, Alime Monday, thanked the AGF for providing them the platform to serve their fatherland.
“We want to thank you and the management of The Treasury House under your able leadership for the privilege for us to serve our fatherland this past one year. We have learnt a lot under your leadership.
“Treasury House is not the same like we met it when we came; it is now wearing a new look. This attests to the reforms going on in the Treasury House under your leadership. We want to urge you not to relent,” Mr Monday said.
