The NYSC Director General, Yusha’u Ahmed, stated this on Tuesday when he was in Kebbi and Sokoto to address the 2024 Batch ‘B’ stream two corps members at the orientation camps in both states.

He stated that corps members’ contributions to the country’s socio-economic development are invaluable, emphasising that members of the scheme should use their service year to develop themselves and plan for a brighter future.

He urged corps members to take advantage of the NYSC skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development program.

The DG said, ”At least, learn a skill while in camp and after the Orientation Course, you continue with the post-camp training. Try to acquire a skill that would enable you to create jobs and employ others instead of searching for jobs. We have many ex-Corps members across the country who are doing well in their different vocations today.

“The NYSC Management has partnered with many reliable organizations like the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry, Unity Bank Access Bank, and NNPC Foundation among others, that have been assisting in giving loans and grants to Corps Members.”

He assured corps members of their safety throughout their service year.

He stated that campers would be posted to secure locations but advised them to stay vigilant in their surroundings.

Speaking, the NYSC coordinator in Kebbi, Aghata Banki-Okolo, noted that corps members have adapted well to camp life.

“They are responding positively to all camp activities and instructions. We also have a total number of 240 camp officials who have been applying emotional intelligence in the discharge of their duties.

“A total of 1,195 Corps Members have been registered, comprising 1,077 for Kebbi and 118 that were dislodged from Zamfara State,” she said.

On his part, the NYSC coordinator in Sokoto, Yakubu Usman, also praised corps members for their discipline and swift adaptation to the camp environment.

Usman mentioned that the total number of corps members in Sokoto is 1,488, including 682 males and 806 females, noting that this figure includes 134 males and 66 females who were displaced from Zamfara due to security threats.

In July, the organised labour sector agreed to a minimum wage of N70,000 after negotiations with the federal government.

The bill raising Nigeria’s minimum wage from N30,000 was passed by the National Assembly on July 23 and signed into law on July 29.