The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Ogun State Secretariat has officially discharged 3,433 Corps Members of the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream II, marking the end of their one-year mandatory national service.

The passing-out exercise, held across all Local Government Areas of the state, was a low-key affair devoid of the usual ceremonies, with Certificates of National Service issued to deserving Corps Members on Thursday.

Ogun State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Olayinka Diana Nasamu, who supervised the certificate distribution at the Sagamu Zonal Office, lauded the Corps Members for their discipline, resilience, and contributions to community development during their service year.

She described their performance as a reflection of the values and objectives of the NYSC scheme.

However, Mrs. Nasamu noted that not all Corps Members fulfilled their obligations, revealing that 28 absentees would have their certificates withheld and must repeat the service year upon return.

Additionally, 59 others were sanctioned for various breaches of the NYSC bye-laws.

In her farewell address, the State Coordinator urged the newly discharged Corps Members to remain worthy ambassadors of the Scheme.

She emphasized the importance of upholding the core NYSC values of integrity, patriotism, hard work, and discipline, warning against engaging in criminal activities such as internet fraud, drug abuse, and political violence.

“These actions not only tarnish your reputation but also pose a serious threat to national development,” she cautioned.

Mrs. Nasamu also highlighted post-service opportunities available to the graduates, particularly the NYSC’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. She encouraged them to leverage the skills acquired during their service year to establish small-scale businesses and become job creators.

She further introduced the Outsource to Nigeria Initiative (OTNI), a job creation project under the Office of the Vice President, which connects job seekers with employers through the online platform www.worknation.africa.com.