In a heartfelt address to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde shared a personal anecdote about his daughter’s experience at the Lagos State Orientation Camp, highlighting her encounter with bullying and offering advice to the youth on facing challenges with confidence.
On Tuesday, Governor Makinde encouraged Nigerian youths to approach the future with resilience and optimism, despite the nation’s current difficulties.
Speaking at the Lagos State Orientation Camp during the passing out ceremony of the current NYSC batch, Makinde shared a poignant moment from his personal life to bolster his message.
Makinde, whose daughter was among the corps members, recounted how she had initially anticipated staying at the camp for just one night but ended up staying for three weeks.
Reflecting on her experience, he said, “When I was talking to the representative of the Lagos State Governor, I said I couldn’t believe my daughter would stay here for three weeks, because she wanted to stay for one night but it turned to three weeks.
“She told me that she enjoyed herself, though she said some people bullied her. And I told her ‘Welcome to the real world, where there is no protection and you have to do whatever it is that they are doing out there.’”
Governor Makinde used this personal story to impart wisdom to the corps members, emphasising the importance of making the most of their service period.
“Some of the youths would meet their life partners during the youth service as I did about 34 years ago, while some will form business alliances that will last into the future, hence the need to be focused and responsible,” he said.
He praised the camp officials for their hospitality, noting, “I want to thank the Camp officials for having me here today. It is a great opportunity for me to address the future leaders of our country.”
Makinde drew a parallel between his own journey and the future possibilities for the corps members, stating, “I did this exactly 34 years ago when some of you were not yet born. But I want to tell you that you are starting a journey that will take some of you to the peak of your ambitions.
“34 years ago, I would not have thought I would become a governor in Nigeria. So, we have future governors and presidents here.”
Addressing safety concerns, the governor cautioned, “For all you corps members, I already heard the state director mention that you should not travel out of the state without permission.
“A lot of corps members get involved in accidents that are unnecessary because they embark on journeys that are not really necessary.”
In closing, Makinde reaffirmed his faith in the youths’ potential and urged them to leverage the NYSC experience as a foundation for their future, stating, “This is an opportunity for you to lay the foundation for whatever it is you want to become in the future. Don’t take this assignment lightly at all.”
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