Press harder when life challenges you - Ondo Coordinator To Corps Members

The NYSC Ondo State Coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani has charged out-going members of the service corps to press harder and forge ahead whenever life places challenges at them.

The State Coordinator made the charge in her farewell message to the 2022 Batch 'C' (Stream II) corps members at the Akoko North East Local Government Secretariat, Ikare-Akoko.

"My dear creative, zealous and patriotic children, let me remind you that life will put many red lights across your path but you only need to press HARDER and not see those red lights as stumbling blocks rather as stepping stones to greater heights as the road to greatness is full of challenges but those who dare to be different will definitely surmount whatever life pushes to them".

The NYSC Ondo State boss said that the zeal with which they served the nation had earned them a place in the National Youth Service Corps Hall of Fame.

"Despite the challenges you encountered since inception to this glorious end, you stood courageous and today, the world is celebrating you as victors and winners in all its entirety. We shall continue to honour you as patriotic Nigerians because you have rendered selfless service to your fatherland".

Mrs. Ani who is confident about the abilities of the out-going corps members, said that the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme they have been exposed to during the orientation course as well as post-camp training will no doubt made them potential fledging industrialists.

She admonished them to strive hard and imitate the eagle as it spreads its wings beyond the reach of other birds under the same classification, saying that an eagle is focused and patient, thus encouraging the members of the service corps to imbibe such attributes.

"As you step into the larger society today, I want to admonish you to eschew all forms of sharp practices that lead to destruction and truncation of destinies. Be extraordinarily kind, selfless, devoted, loving and hardworking. Be accommodating and remember that men, with the little things they do, touch the hearts and spirits of people around them".

"Continue to be good ambassadors of this unifying and noble Scheme as well as your respective family and alma mater: your various institutions of higher learning and always know that the Federal Government through NYSC has made you a personality to be proud of" she said.

The 'Mother of the nation' as she is fondly called who values the precious lives of her corps members pleaded with them not to embark on night journeys as they are returning home to meet their families and loved ones.

"I want to specifically plead with you not to embark on needless night journeys as you return to your respective families. You are very dear and precious to us and we want you to return back home to your family safely as your people are awaiting the arrival of an outstanding leader the NYSC has made of you in the last one year".

She encouraged the out-going corps members to serve as advocates and preach against night journeys as she declared that night journeys has become a dangerous voyage.

In his goodwill message, the Head, Local Government Administration of Akoko North East Council, Dr. Bayo Ilawole admonished the corps members to continue to positively impact the larger society.

Dr. Ilawole, who was represented by the NYSC Schedule Officer in the Local Government, Mrs. Opeyemi Oluwarotimi appreciated the corps members for the sacrifice they made by leaving their host communities better than they met it.

In all, 968 passed out of the national service and were awarded Certificate of National Service (CNS) while only two bagged extension of service for acts of misdemeanour. 14 others who were absent consecutively for a period of three months at their places of primary assignment have been declared abscondees and their cases reported to the Directorate Headquarters for appropriate sanctions in line with the NYSC Bye-Law.