Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday explained that Nigerian youths have capacity to match their counterparts in the world.
He spoke at the orientation camp of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Yikpata, Kwara State.
Saraki urged the Nigerian leaders to do everything humanly possible to give youths the opportunity to excel.
He declared: “Most of you would shine if we give you that opportunity. We shall do everything to ensure that your future is bright.”
Saraki was at the camp to commiserate with the corps members over the death of one of them, Miss Hilda Amadi Ichechukwu.
The senate president, who led a one-minute silence in her honour, described his visit as part of a process of immortalizing her.
He said: “We must take up the responsibility of doing more to ensure that this type of thing doesn’t happen again, and that every corps member leaves the camp with good memories.
“The camp should not be a place of endurance, but where you should be happy to be, as it would impact your life even after service. Times are hard, but we have a country that has great potential.
He lamented the state of facilities at the camp, and stressed the need to improve on its medical and other amenities.
The senate president however argued that the poor state of facilities and other issues were not enough reasons to review the scheme, adding that it was a ‘valuable asset’ to the country.
He expressed concern about the clinic; hostel facilities, kitchen, and other components at the camp, which, he said were in dire need of expansion and rehabilitation.
He also promised to ensure that the fencing of the orientation camp was done on time to improve on its security.
The senate president promised to use his ‘persuasive influence’ to ensure that the state government begins to pay local monthly allowance to corps members serving in the area.
The State Director of the NYSC, Mr. Amaefule Remigius, described the late Amadi as a young lady, full of life, intelligent, beautiful and very active in all camp activities while alive.
