By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to be ambassadors of peace, unity, and national development wherever they are deployed across the country.
General Musa gave the charge during a sensitization lecture organized by the Defence Headquarters at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Kebbi State, where he was represented by Navy Lieutenant Cynthia Akor.
He said the initiative was part of ongoing nationwide efforts by the Defence Headquarters to engage Nigerian youths, particularly corps members, on security awareness, peacebuilding, and responsible citizenship.
According to him, the youth represent Nigeria’s greatest strength and remain central to the collective vision of a peaceful and prosperous nation.
“The task of building a secure and united Nigeria rests on every citizen, especially the youth,” the CDS stated. “As corps members serving across the country, you are not just participating in national service—you are helping to shape the soul of this nation through your conduct, your words, and your example.”
General Musa emphasized that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including the NYSC, to promote security consciousness and deepen national cohesion through regular sensitization campaigns.
He explained that the campaign, currently being held in various states across the country, is designed to educate corps members on safety, civic responsibility, and the dangers of misinformation.
“Security is everyone’s responsibility,” he noted. “You must remain vigilant, promote peace in your host communities, and use your influence to discourage violence, hate speech, and fake news.”
While commending the NYSC for sustaining its legacy of fostering unity since its establishment, the CDS urged corps members to take pride in their service and uphold the values of discipline, loyalty, and patriotism wherever they are posted.
The NYSC State Coordinator for Kebbi State, Alhaji Bala Dabo Kagarko, thanked the Defence Headquarters for the sensitization initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. He also assured the safety of corps members in the camp, noting that security personnel had been increased to ensure a peaceful and secure orientation exercise.
In her remarks, Lieutenant Cynthia Akor reaffirmed the military’s readiness to sustain the campaign nationwide, stressing that the programme is meant to bridge the gap between the Armed Forces and civilians, while empowering youths with the right mindset for peace and nation-building.
Some corps members who attended the session expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as eye-opening and inspiring.
One of them, Hashim Amirat Enemona, said, “The lecture helped us understand that peace starts with individual responsibility. We now know that our actions, both online and offline, can promote or destroy peace.”
General Musa further urged corps members to demonstrate the values of unity and selfless service that define true patriotism, reminding them that the future of the country depends largely on their actions and choices.
“Let your service year be a message of hope,” he said. “Wherever you serve, be a voice for peace, a defender of truth, and a bridge of unity for our dear nation.”
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