Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’adu Abubakar III, on Tuesday urged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to always promote cultural and religious harmony among Nigerians.
Abubakar, during an interactive session with the 2023 Batch A stream 1 members posted to Sokoto state, told them to engage in nation building initiatives.
He also urged government and wealthy individuals to assist graduates with capital to set up businesses.
According to him, such assistance will reduce poverty by providing employment opportunities as well as discourage youths from getting involved in criminal activities.
He enjoined corps members to work towards activities that would be meaningful to national development.
Abubakar emphasised the need for Nigerians to utilise the advantages of the NYSC scheme to promote cultural and religious understanding, as well as harmonious relationship at all levels.
“ The scheme is a catalyst for promoting national unity, mutual respect, religious tolerance as well as harmonious co-existence among Nigerians,” he said.
He said the palace was pleased to welcome every corps member deployed to the state and offer them words of advice for better service delivery .
” I am assuring you that your safety will be guaranteed throughout your service period; we have already implored district heads to take care of you, ” Abubakar said.
He also urged the corps members to perform their duties with diligence and be guided by the provisions of the NYSC law as well as the laws of the areas they are posted to serve .
Earlier, the NYSC Coordinator in the state, Alhaji Muhammad Nakamba, said no fewer than 1150 corps members, male and female, were posted to Sokoto state.
He commended the Sultan for his support to corps members, ensuring routine recognition of distinguished ones, and presentation of awards to deserving personalities in each service period.