The Director-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has charged corps members to acquire leadership qualities that will distinguish them from other compatriots with the experiences gained from the scheme.
He threw the challenge when he paid an unscheduled visit to Villa Nova Estate, Apo-Dutse, Abuja, venue of a two-day leadership training organised for corps members by Lux Terra Network Advocacy Group Thursday.
Addressing the corps members who took part in the training, which was the third batch in a series, Brigadier-General Ibrahim said ineffective leadership is the bane of any society, and urged the participants to take home lessons learned and utilise same maximally for the benefit of the nation.
The DG noted that the next crop of leaders could emerge from amongst them and therefore, called on them to propagate the ideals of national unity and integration, which he said are the two major strings that have held Nigeria firmly together since the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates in 1914.
“You too have been destined to become leaders in different capacities. So, I implore you to become responsible citizens that can be trusted with leadership positions,” General Ibrahim said, and commended the organisers of the training for their patriotism even as he urged them to come up with a proposal on how to expand the programme to include all corps members serving in every nook and crannies of the country for greater impact.
In her speech, Mrs. Inya Ode, of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation said, “The quest for a better Nigeria and the desire to promote citizenship, conflict prevention and nation building was why the network and advocacy group of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation with support from OSIWA, came up with the training.”
She further said that the training revolved around citizens’ rights and civic responsibility, understanding, preventing and managing conflict, promoting social justice and managing diversity in a multicultural society.
A cross section of the corps trainees expressed their joy over the training, and pledged to make the best use of the knowledge acquired in contributing to nation-building during and after their service year.
