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| Brig.-Gen. Ahmed inspiring corps members to adapt and thrive. |
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a process that most young Nigerians have to go through, and for some, the prospect of leaving the comfort of home is quite intimidating. But during his visit to the NYSC temporary orientation camp in Kaduna, Brig. Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, the Director-General of NYSC, had some heartfelt advice for the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream I corps members: stop trying to run back home.
In a tone that was rather friendly but no less firm, Ahmed reminded the corps members that life is not as small as their villages. “Life doesn’t end there,” he said, challenging them to accept their assignments and adjust to the new surroundings. According to him, for a successful service year, one has to be flexible, feel part of society, and be willing to change.
In all honesty, it is not always easy to start everything from scratch in a new environment. This is because it is new, uncomfortable, and at times frightening. But what Ahmed said was that it is easy to get comfortable and not want to come out of it, but Ahmed’s message was that growth is not easily found within one’s comfort zone. Rather than wishing for relocation to another place, corps members were told to make home out of the place they are stationed in, to seize the chance to develop and be of value.
The NYSC boss didn’t stop at urging resilience. He emphasized respect for the cultures and traditions of host communities, calling on corps members to immerse themselves in their new surroundings. “Remain peaceful and resilient as you add value to the community you are posted to,” he said. Whether it’s through community development projects, teaching, or learning from local practices, Ahmed urged them to leave a positive impact behind.
It is not only about completing the service year and getting it over with; it is about making the most out of it. Thus, members of the NYSC contribute to the development of the nation and, at the same time, grow as individuals. The truth is, these challenges are the building blocks of character, shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
For the corps members who may be counting the days until they can go back home, Ahmed’s words were a powerful reminder: this year is a rare opportunity. It’s a time to grow, adapt, and prove that you can bloom wherever you’re planted.