The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde on Tuesday advised corps members to use the opportunity created by the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to take themselves out of unemployment after their service year.
The governor, who spoke at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Iseyin, during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2023 Batch C stream 1 Corps members urged the fresh graduates to work towards achieving the purpose of the scheme.
He said, “The National Youth Service Corps is the only credible platform through which our intelligent and vibrant youths can contribute immensely to the growth of our nation and its economy.”
Makinde, represented by the Commissioner of Youth and Sports, who doubles as the chairman, NYSC Oyo state governing board, Hon Wasilat Adegoke encouraged the Corps members to make good use of their youthfulness to become successful in their chosen fields.
He, therefore, urged the Corps members to work hard and acquire the relevant skills needed to become relevant to themselves and the economy at large.
Furthermore, Makinde implored them to give their best during the orientation course as it is fundamental and germane to ensure a hitch-free service year.
“The SAED programme is targeted at reducing the perennial problem of youth unemployment in the country. I, therefore, implore you to enthusiastically avail yourself of the opportunity to get trained at no cost to you in different areas of skills and become immune to the scourge of joblessness at the end of your service year.”
He assured the Corps members of his administration’s focus on adequate security and welfare in order to make their stay in the state worthwhile.
“The state government will do all in its capacity to ensure that you have a memorable camp experience. It is noteworthy to emphasise that Oyo state is relatively safe and free from many forms of security challenges that many states are battling with.
“Notwithstanding, I want to assure you of the continuous pro-activeness of the security agencies under the supervision of this administration to forestall and provide a timely response to any security challenge that may rear its head against Corps members and other citizens of the state.”
On her part, the commissioner of Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, represented by the Director, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Kudirat Mustapha encouraged the Corps members to avail themselves to benefit from the opportunities associated with the SAED programme.
“I charge you at this critical stage of your life to wake up to the reality of life as your destinies are now in your hands. Endeavour to positively utilise your service year to make the right choices for your future in this present economic reality, tap into this training.”
Earlier, the Oyo NYSC state coordinator, Mr Odoba Abel Oche, while revealing the total number of Corps members at 1,864, with 915 males, and 949 females, admonished the Corps members to see the opportunities associated with the scheme as a unique one.
“I want to assure of efforts to upscale the SAED programme in order to make it more robust and more far-reaching and impactful.”
He, therefore, applauded the efforts of the Oyo state government and Governor Makinde in ensuring programmes take off without any hitch.
“I wish to thank the governor for his unrelenting support and effort towards supporting the NYSC in Oyo state.”
The high point of the swearing-in ceremony was the administration of the oath of allegiance by the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima.
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