A retired Director of the National Youth Service Corps, Alhaji Abdulwahab Obomeile, has asserted that the galaxy of Nigerian graduate youths mobilised for national service annually has strategically positioned the Scheme to develop the country.
Obomeile, who once served as State Coordinator in the Sunshine State between 2004 and 2008, made the assertion when he delivered motivational lecture for 2024 Batch ‘B’ (Stream II) corps members deployed to Ondo State.
Addressing the corps members in a remarkable display of national pride and passionate enthusiasm, the retired Director made a firm call to Nigerian youths to embrace patriotism and take pride in their country.
The erstwhile Director, Community Development Service at the Directorate Headquarters commented that Nigeria as a nation was worth every citizen’s devotion and sacrifice.
He hinted that part of the patriotic lifestyle of Nigerians was yet to be exploited and diclosed that the country is indeed worth dying for’.
Obomeile, a consummate former editor with the defunct Daily Times, sought to awaken a renewed sense of duty and responsibility among the youth, urging them to view their service to the nation as a vital component of nation-building.
In a strong rebuke against the rising trend of mass migration, commonly referred to as the ‘Japa Syndrome’, Obomeile admonished young Nigerians to reconsider leaving the country in search of greener pastures abroad. He emphasised the untapped potentials within Nigeria and the critical need for innovation and creativity among its youth.
The well-known and celebrated writer noted that formal education is a window to opportunity and encouraging the youths to channel their education into productive ventures that would contribute to national development.
Obomeile also highlighted the significance of the NYSC programmes in shaping the character of young Nigerians. According to him, the Scheme serves not only as a veritable platform for instilling discipline and responsibility but also as a means to prepare youths for leadership roles in the future.
He further urged the corps members to take full advantage of the NYSC experience, stressing that the values of service, integrity and dedication learned during the programme would be indispensable in their professional and personal lives.
In a poignant message against corruption and fraudulent practices, the retired director admonished the youths to shun all forms of dishonesty that could tarnish the image of the NYSC Scheme. He condemned the practice of lobbying for preferential posting and relocation, urging corps members to uphold the dignity and prestige that come with being tertiary institutions’ graduates and ambassadors of Nigeria.
Alhaji Obomeile also commended the NYSC management team in Ondo State for their excellent work in maintaining high standards.
Meanwhile, during the introduction, the State Coordinator of NYSC Ondo State, Mr. Sam Amaramiro Pepple described the retired director as an astute administrator and personality of high integrity. He enjoined Corps Members to draw from his wealth of wisdom.
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