The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Thursday discharged 854 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members deployed to Abia after completing their one-year national service.
The low-key passing-out ceremony was held at the Umuahia North Local Government (LGA) headquarters.
Mr. Yunusa Tanimu, NYSC Coordinator in the state, who addressed the corps members, commended the members for their selflessness and commitment service to the country.
Tanimu said their contributions in education, healthcare, agriculture and technology had endeared them to Nigerians.
The coordinator noted that their service through Community Development Service had enhanced the visibility of the NYSC scheme.
He added that reports showed diligence in their places of primary assignments.
Tanimu urged the corps members to see the past year as a test run for greater service.
He stated that leadership for them started immediately after service and not in the future.
Tanimu advised those going into entrepreneurship to be competitive and resilient.
“The market space is highly competitive, so know your strengths and weaknesses and make your brand unbeatable,” he said.
He also encouraged corps members seeking white-collar jobs to package themselves well.
“Believe in yourself. Convince the interviewing panel that you are there to add value and you will get the job,” he advised.
The coordinator emphasised digital skills, saying they placed young people ahead in today’s economy.
He urged them to use social media to market products and study competitors.
Tanimu warned against “japa” syndrome, saying greater opportunities exist in Nigeria.
He said solving local problems would bring economic benefits to individuals and the nation.
He charged them to remain patriotic and promote national unity while warning them to avoid ethnic and religious sentiments that could divide the country.
Tanimu also stressed the importance of safety and security as the corps members travelled, advising them to be cautious during their journeys.
themomentng reports that discharge certificates were issued simultaneously across the 17 LGAs in the state.
