Aiyedatiwa tasks Corps members on nation-building

Ondo Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has called on Nigerian graduate youths to rededicate themselves for the task of nation-building.

Aiyedatiwa made the call while declaring open the 2024 Batch ‘A’ (Stream II) orientation course for corps members deployed to Ondo.

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, disclosed that the members of the service corps would be exposed to daunting, arduous but fulfilling challenges of national development.

He said that providence has brought them to Ondo, the Sunshine State to contribute their quota to the development of the State through their shared experiences, talents, and skills.

The foremost citizen of Ondo State admonished the new entrants into the NYSC to discard whatever myth or misconception they may have been fed about the people of Southwest or Ondo State in particular, saying that he was privileged by his status to know that Yoruba people are peace-loving, industrious, accommodating and above all, God-fearing.

“It is equally important to let you know that our people cherish respect a lot and they can go to any length to integrate you into the mainstream of their industrial and business activities,” he said.

While promising to cater for the welfare and security of corps members during the service year, Governor Aiyedatiwa declared that the government will continue to support the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Scheme in the State at all times to ensure that the corps members have a memorable service year.

In his introductory remarks, the NYSC Ondo State Coordinator, Mr. Samuel Amaramiro Pepple reported that since the commencement of the orientation programme, there has been a high level of discipline and understanding among the corps members.

The State Coordinator disclosed that at the end of registration, a total number of 1760 qualified, loyal, and patriotic Nigerian youths made up of 918 males and 842 females were registered for the one-year mandatory national service to the fatherland.

People articulated the cardinal programme of NYSC to be the orientation course (which they were currently undergoing), the Primary Assignment, the Community Development Service and Winding-Up exercise, and Passing Out.

“Let me also let you know that Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme has become fifth unwritten cardinal programme of the Scheme. In all these, we expect nothing short of unconditional diligence, dedication, humility, and your full participation” he admonished.

The NYSC Ondo State boss disclosed that orientation course is a highly regimented programme specifically designed by the founding fathers of the Scheme to instill in them discipline, teamwork, tolerance, and perseverance in preparation for the daunting and selfless task ahead.

“Please, continue to cooperate among yourselves and the camp officials, and let us always hear from you through the right channel of communication as our doors are always open for you”.

The Coordinator expressed his profound appreciation to the Executive Governor and good people of Ondo State, collaborating agencies, friends, and other critical stakeholders for their unflinching support.

The Oath of Allegiance was administered on the corps members by the representative of the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Honourable Justice Silvester Femi Akinbinu who admonished them to shun bribery and all forms of corruption and nepotism.