It was an inspiring and memorable encounter at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Iseyin, Oyo State, as renowned media entrepreneur, music icon and Chairman of Fresh FM Nigeria, Dr. Olayinka Joel Ayefele (MON), visited the camp and charged Corps Members to remain resilient, develop themselves and refuse to surrender to failure in the pursuit of their aspirations.

Dr. Ayefele, who was warmly received by the NYSC Oyo State Coordinator, Mr. Kayode Ola Peters, camp officials and Corps Members, commended the Scheme for its significant contribution to national integration, unity and peaceful coexistence. Addressing the gathering, he noted that the NYSC experience provides young Nigerians from different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds with an invaluable opportunity to live, work and interact together, thereby fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the bonds of national unity. He described Corps Members as privileged to be part of a programme that exposes them to the diversity of Nigeria while preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities and the nation.

Welcoming the media entrepreneur, the NYSC Oyo State Coordinator, Mr. Kayode Ola Peters, described Dr. Ayefele as a worthy ambassador, philanthropist and friend of the Scheme, expressing appreciation for his continued interest in the development and wellbeing of Corps Members. He commended the Fresh FM Chairman for taking time to engage with young Nigerians at the Orientation Camp, stressing that such interactions provide valuable opportunities for Corps Members to learn from accomplished individuals and gain practical perspectives on leadership, enterprise, resilience and responsible citizenship. Dr. Ayefele, in turn, commended the commitment of the camp officials to the welfare and orientation of Corps Members and expressed his willingness to visit the camp more frequently to interact with and encourage them.

Taking the Corps Members through his entrepreneurial journey, Dr. Ayefele recounted some of the challenges that shaped his path to success, disclosing that about 15 years ago, he began his internet radio venture from his room before nurturing the idea into a major media enterprise. He explained that his journey was driven by determination, innovation, courage and an unwavering commitment to his vision despite the obstacles he encountered. Drawing from these experiences, he urged Corps Members not to allow criticism, setbacks or temporary failures to define their future, declaring that success often requires the courage to continue when circumstances appear discouraging. “Never surrender to failure,” he admonished, urging the young Nigerians to believe in themselves, remain focused on their goals and take calculated risks in pursuit of worthwhile aspirations.

In furtherance of the NYSC objective of promoting self reliance and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians, Dr. Ayefele encouraged Corps Members to take the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously. He stressed that acquiring a skill should not be regarded merely as an additional activity during the service year, but as an opportunity to develop a sustainable means of livelihood and create employment for others. He urged the Corps Members to move beyond learning skills to developing viable businesses from them, noting that innovation, discipline and persistence could transform modest ideas into enterprises capable of contributing to economic growth and community development.

Addressing the female Corps Members in particular, Dr. Ayefele encouraged them to broaden their aspirations beyond marriage and deliberately invest in their intellectual, professional and economic development. He urged them to acquire relevant qualifications, learn vocational skills and develop practical abilities that would enable them to become financially independent and valuable contributors to the society.

He equally encouraged all Corps Members to embrace the spirit of service, responsibility and continuous personal development, values which remain central to the NYSC mandate.

The engagement ended on a lively and memorable note, with prayers, excitement, giveaways and cash prizes, as Corps Members and camp officials interacted freely with the Fresh FM boss and captured memorable moments in photographs. The enthusiastic response of the Corps Members reflected the impact of the encounter, which went beyond entertainment to deliver a powerful message on resilience, national unity, self development, entrepreneurship and service to humanity.