Employers of Corps Members in the country have been urged to create supportive environments that will allow the potential of these members to foster initiatives that contribute positively to society.
During the launch of the NITDA Innovation Space, titled “idea2impact” in Abuja on Thursday, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, along with the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), offered this counsel.
They emphasized that Corps Members are providers of solutions who require mentorship, guidance, and effective leadership.
General Nafiu characterized the initiative as a significant opportunity for these members to showcase their creativity as solution providers.
“The youth we have at the NYSC are solution providers, and I challenge ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), private organizations, and other institutions to leverage their vast experiences and skills to develop solutions for the broader society.”
“I take pride in the Corps Members who have come forward to present today. There is a promising future for this Scheme, and it remains pertinent within our system.”
“This initiative is a significant one, serving as a gateway to opportunities for these young Nigerians,” General Nafiu remarked.
He further noted that the Scheme has modernized the identity cards of Corps Members along with other technological advancements since he took office.
In his address, the Director General of NITDA, Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, stated that the agency will persist in empowering young Nigerians to adapt to the evolving landscape of ICT.
He also highlighted the necessity of having a skill set and a solid career plan to achieve success in life, stressing the importance of personal strategy for Corps Members prior to entering the job market.
The Director General of NITDA, who did the compulsory serve 22 years ago, emphasized that he made the most of the opportunities presented during his service year, encouraging Corps Members to work diligently to enhance their visibility through their skills.
Inuwa stated that NITDA has established numerous opportunities for Corps Members to realize their potential. He further revealed that several individuals who served with the agency have played a crucial role in NITDA’s operations.
He characterized NITDA as a platform for Corps Members to cultivate their skills for greater opportunities, noting that those who excel during their service year would have the chance to be retained.
“It is essential to market yourself; hard work alone may not lead you to your desired destination. You must be assertive to achieve your goals.”
“Some Corps Members have developed solutions for us that we will implement internally. One Corps Member even took the initiative to create a solution that has assisted us in realizing our AI transformation plan,” Inuwa remarked.
