The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier-General Shaibu Ibrahim, has explained why martial arts was introduced into corps members’ orientation camp course content.
The explanation for the inclusion of martial arts in the orientation course content is contained in his message of welcome read across the country by the coordinators of the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the Director General, in the last few years the NYSC scheme has recorded a paradigm shift in the orientation course content, adding that the introduction of martial arts is part of that paradigm shift.
Ibrahim said the precarious state of the nations security necessitated the introduction of martial arts into the orientation course content, adding that the martial arts is intended to equip corps members with basic self defence skills.
He advised the corps members to take the martial arts training seriously because it will enhance their personal security.
The D-G’s address read in part:
“This shift witnessed the introduction of Martial Arts training into the course content so as to equip Corps Members with basic self defense skills. It will be wise to take this training seriously in order to enhance your personal security. That notwithstanding, the Scheme is always in constant touch with the various security agencies to ensure that your security is not compromised”.
He said the paradigm shift also saw the addition of skills acquisition designed to enable corps members be their own employers after passing out from the scheme.
Continuing, the D-G said:
A corollary to the above is the issue of financial security. It is quite worrisome to note that a lot of ex-Corps Members who got discharged from service as far back as ten years are yet to be gainfully employed. This sorry state of affairs has brought about despondency and dejection on the part of some serving Corps Members. It equally fans the embers of criminality and depravity such as robbery, advance fee fraud, prostitution, drug peddling and abuse to mention but a few.In an attempt to stem this tide, the Scheme introduced Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme into the Orientation Course Content.
According to Punchonline, he advised corps members to understand the community they are posted to after their three weeks in camp and shun act of confrontation with village idols in the name of religion.
He also charged the corps members to dress decently and avoid night party and unnecessary traveling.
