An accomplished administrator who retired as a Deputy Director from the National Youth Service Corps, Mr. Olayiwola Lasaki has warned corps members not to give in to peer pressure as it often leads to regret and shame on the long run.
The Deputy Director gave the warning during the Motivational Lecture he delivered to the 2024 Batch 'A' (Stream 1) corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko.
Addressing members of the service corps, Lasaki said that the most painful aspect of the service year is when some corps members are receiving Certificate of National Service (CNS) while some will not given for reasons bothering on indiscipline.
"My dear children in the service to our fatherland, I need to let you know that there is consequence for any irresponsible action undertaken by you during the service year and I want to appeal to you all to be good ambassadors of the family name you are carrying around. Do not see the present freedom status of participating in the national service to give in to peer pressure or join bad gangs".
"NYSC uniform is never an immunity to commit offences or breach public peace. The Scheme has mobilised, deployed you to further mentor you on how to be responsible individuals who will contribute meaningfully to economic development and nation building, and not a liability who will bring the soaring name of the Scheme into disrepute. I am not speaking in parables but I am advising you to flee from any action that will attract sanctions in the course of your service year".
The one time State Coordinator in Kogi State admonished them to be conversant with the provisions of the NYSC Act as well as the Bye-Laws because ignorance is not acceptable as excuse for not operating in a manner that is in tandem with the objectives of the noble Scheme.
"If you want to enjoy the service year, the key element that should be your guide is discipline. Beginning with the orientation course exercise, you are expected to comport yourselves in a disciplined manner and never to be at a place or found doing right thing at the wrong time. Remember that camp is regimented, and being at the camp market when you are supposed to be in the lecture hall will make you face disciplinary action and that is the beginning of a problem with constituted authority".
Lasaki, an alumnus of the premier citadel of learning; the University of Ibadan enjoined the corps members to think beyond the present and enlist in the empowerment programme of the Scheme known as Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, assuring that their life would not remain the same.
"Gentlemen Corps Members, the lifeline and the good news which NYSC has brought into the society in the last 12 years is SAED programme and you will agree with me that it has lifted up several thousands of graduate youths from obscurity to becoming financially independent and employers of labour. The Scheme presently have 11 skills you can choose from and I am appealing to you not to allow this lifetime opportunity elude you".
He warned them against embarking on reckless and aimless journeys, citing bad roads and security challenges as the reasons for them to stay focused in their deployed state for the period of the service year.
"News on social media platforms on the state of our roads and security breaches such as kidnapping and banditry should force you to stay put and serve the nation purposely. The country as well as your parents and guardians have invested massively on you and we are waiting to eat from our labour and not lose or pay ransom on you. Please, behave responsibly during the service year," he counseled.
The retired but not tired Deputy Director whose humility transcends NYSC circles charged members of the service corps to accord respect to anyone they come across as this is an investment that will yield bountifully in the foreseeable future.
My dear children, you are in Yoruba land where respect is our signature and way of life. If you want to warm yourself into our hearts, I implore you to be humble and respectful as this attributes melt the heart of Yoruba people and I want to assure you that if this admonition is strictly adhered to, you will surely enjoy your service year" he concluded.
While wishing them the best and a fruitful service year, he warned them to steer clear of traditional and cultural rites which non-indigenes are not expected to participate in.
The State Coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani while welcoming the retired Deputy Director told the corps members that they were fortunate to have him in their midst as his wealth of experience, coupled with beinga life coach to generation of youths will assist the corps members to wade through the challenges they will encounter as they mature into adulthood.
Ani thereafter admonished the members of the service corps to listen attentively and benefit from the life experiences of the sound administrator.
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