By Tari Gboriye, Yenagoa
The Director, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), South South Area Office One, Mrs Okpalifo Obiageli Charity, has charged corps members deployed to Bayelsa State to shun get-rich-quick syndrome and embrace discipline and hard work.
Mrs Okpalifo gave the charge during an official visit to the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Boro Town, where she interacted with the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream I corps members and assessed the ongoing Orientation Course.
She congratulated them on answering the national call to service and commended their orderly conduct since arrival in camp, urging them to remain focused on their aspirations.
“There is blessing in little beginnings,” she said, advising them to pursue legitimate opportunities with patience and determination rather than resorting to shortcuts capable of jeopardising their future.
Mrs Okpalifo reminded the corps members that their conduct throughout the service year must reflect positively on the NYSC, warning against criminal activities, negative publicity and reckless use of social media.
She drew their attention to the provisions of the NYSC Bye-Laws, noting that abscondment for three months attracts repetition of service, while unauthorised absence could attract extension of service on half pay.
On personal security, she cautioned against night journeys and unnecessary exposure to danger, advising them to move in groups, properly secure their places of residence and remain vigilant within their host communities.
The director urged them to uphold the scheme’s core values of patriotism, integrity, commitment, selfless service and teamwork, while building friendships across ethnic and religious divides in furtherance of its national integration mandate.
She encouraged them to take advantage of the Community Development Service (CDS) and Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programmes to develop themselves and contribute to their host communities.
Mrs Okpalifo commended camp officials for their commitment to the successful implementation of the Orientation Course.
Earlier, the NYSC Bayelsa State Coordinator, Mr Samuel Amaramiro Pepple, briefed the director on the smooth conduct of activities, noting that the corps members had demonstrated commendable discipline.
Pepple acknowledged the support of the Bayelsa State Government towards NYSC programmes in the state.
Welcoming Mrs Okpalifo back to familiar grounds, he described the visit as homecoming and a moment of joy for the NYSC family in Bayelsa.
“This is a very important programme, and we are very happy to receive our Director back home,” Pepple said, before leading the corps members in a standing ovation as they chorused, “Mommy, you’re welcome back home.”
The event featured a colourful performance by the NYSC Cultural Troupe, while Mrs Okpalifo presented cash gifts to selected groups in appreciation of their performances.
