Hello friends, how y'all? Good morning. I wrote this little piece for my CDS on this day (25/04/15), few months to my POP, and ever since I have been wishing to share with you guys. I just remembered that a new batch will be going to camp dis week and I know it will be useful not just to them but also to those presently serving. Enjoy!

I see NYSC as a final preparation for the real world and life we are about to face, having gone through various stages and preparations since birth. To some people, being a corps member or a "khaki wearer" is a whole lot of achievement. To some, it is a sign of arrival, to others a sign of "big boyism and big girlism" and to some others a sign that one is through with life challenges. I smile. If that is your perception of NYSC or being a corps member. I say a big congrats to you because you are about to face your greatest doom in life. You are about to add to the nuisance and darkness the country is facing presently.
You may ask why I am sounding this way. I am because it pains me to see that as days, months, and years pass by, the number of unemployed youths/graduates in the country quadruples and the government is doing little or nothing about It. And graduates are still being recruited to the NYSC scheme in their thousands each batch. I always hear many graduates say that the government is not doing anything to create jobs. I always laugh out loud (lol) whenever I come across such persons. This is because it is ridiculous.Present day Nigeria is run basically by the private sector. Now, I need you as an outgoing corps member or job seeker to ask yourselves these simple questions:

1). As a graduate seeking employment, am I employable?

2). If the government cannot provide jobs for me as as a graduate, what am I doing about it/what have I done about it?

3). What have I achieved through out my one year in service to add value to my life.

4). How was my relationship life during my service year?

If you can answer half or all of these questions correctly, I give kudos to you, because you are about to escape the trap/pit every post NYSC member enters/falls into after every POP. Permit me to briefly answer the above questions.

1). AS A GRADUATE SEEKING FOR EMPLOYMENT AM I EMPLOYABLE?
Talking about not being employable, I mean disqualification by age (most organisations will always say they need fresh graduates of 26 years old or below), disqualification by certificate (most organisations will also say they need graduates with a 2:1 or higher), disqualification by being physically challenged etc.

There are many people who fall into one of the above categories, but there are also many legit ways to make it to the top, even higher than those who possess or have the necessary qualifications needed by these organisations. Do not be deterred, just remain focused, think, use your head, be hard working and develop yourself. If you do not meet the above requirements, it's not the end of the world, it is hustle a sign that you have something great in you that must be explored. This is where grace comes in.

2). IF THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT PROVIDE JOBS FOR ME AS AS A GRADUATE, WHAT AM I DOING ABOUT IT/WHAT HAVE I DONE ABOUT IT?
The answer is simple. The solution to question 2 is what we simply call ENTREPRENEURSHIP. You do not have to sit down, fold your arms and wait until the government is ready to give you a job. Come on, you are a youth, give yourself a job if government has failed. Look around yourself and the society, you will always see something that needs your attention, utilise that opportunity, start something and be your own boss, and in no time you will be the one employing people. And remember Nigeria is basically run today by the private sector. That is the power of Entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is the surest alternative to lack of job creation on the part of the government.

3). WHAT HAVE I ACHIEVED THROUGH OUT MY ONE YEAR OF SERVICE TO ADD VALUE TO MY LIFE?
This question is very important for every corps member, serving or about leaving. It is pertinent to note here that the way some people went about their service year, will go a long way to influence their life in the future. For some people their achievements during service year will carve a niche for them long after they have concluded their service. And definitely, there are also some people that will be so unserious during service year that at the end, they will weep and cry for their lives because there is nothing to show that they have added value to their life. No professional skill/knowledge gained, no reasonable friends made, no goodwill created at PPA, and shamefully not a single savings from their "alawee". To these set of people I can only say "chai, na only you waka come"? I hope you do not fall into this category, because if you do, getting help ordinarily will be like forcing a camel through the eye of a needle, or having 24hours supply of light in Nigeria. It is a herculean task. Only God in heaven can rescue you.
To avoid this, make sure you build your CV. Get enough experience and professional certifications that are or may be relevant to you or your field (E.g NIM, HSE,PMP etc). Try using this period to learn as much as possible a foreign language if you have plans to work with an International organisation. Also do volunteer jobs at NGO'S or other corporate organisations in addition to your PPA. This will surely boost your CV.

4). HOW WAS MY RELATIONSHIP LIFE DURING MY SERVICE YEAR?
Talking about relationship in this question, I am talking about your level of interaction, socialisation, communication, and rapport between you, your fellow corpers, and those you find around you. I have come to understand in life that the way we relate with those around us today, might just be that little push or advantage we need to be strategically located in the society tomorrow. What I am saying is that never look down on anybody, try to relate well with those around you, your CDS, your PPA, and others. Create more friends, do not to create enemies, because that your NYSC friend today may become the president of Nigeria tomorrow. BE WISE!!!
In conclusion, I will like to state here as you begin life's journey, never compare yourself with your mates or friends no matter the situation. This is because you are you and God has different plans for each and every one of us as humans. Also never envy other people's success, if you do, you are only creating room for failure in your life. Do your own part, work hard and leave the rest for God. President Buhari is where he is today because he was focused even when it seemed he was failing he kept trying. My dear no one can steal your destiny away from you. "WHEN IT SEEMS YOU ARE FAILING KEEP TRYING DO NOT CONDEMN YOURSELF, BECAUSE FAILURE IN ITSELF IS AN OPPORTUNITY. AN OPPORTUNITY TO KEEP EXPLORING."

Whenever you are down or feel discouraged always remember (Jeremiah 29:11) which says: "For I know the thoughts I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

I WISH YOU ALL (INCOMING AND OUTGOING CORP MEMBER) A SPLENDID SERVICE YEAR. YOU SHALL ACHIEVE ALL THAT GOD HAS PLANNED FOR YOU TO ACHIEVE IN LIFE.
I LOVE YOU ALL. SEE YOU AT THE TOP. ===》MUUUAAAH

☆IzDave☆

Your article is complete; take it from me!

Thanks boss.

LordIsaac:
Your article is complete; take it from me!

motivational inspirational and educating.. lovely

After your NYSC POP what next ?

Alot of CORPERS go home after NYSC to sit at home and start looking for some of the none existing jobs as results leading to a life of anguish pain disappointment and unfulfilment

My Question Is ? will be among those that live these kind of life or be among those that live a life devoid of crime But making real legitimate money for yourself and be smiling to the bank

The truth is Nigeria need more entrepreneurs and self reliant youth in other to achieve industrialisation

in this light we have decided to assist by providing materials that can make you self reliant and skill acquisition training and program

We will be equiping you tools of the trade for both online and offline business

How to get registered on the ones that need documentation all these will be treated in our other post.

https://www.nairaland.com/3145924/skill-aquistion-nysc-corpers