Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has pledged to enhance critical facilities at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp and maintain a robust welfare package for corps members.
Eno committed this during the official opening and swearing-in ceremony for the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream II Corps Members at the NYSC permanent orientation camp on Tuesday in Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai in Akwa Ibom.
Represented by Mr Ifiok Duff, Director of Sport, Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, the Governor emphasized the government’s unwavering resolve to improve camp facilities. “As a caring government, we will continue to do our best to meet your needs and enhance the facilities in the orientation camp.
The government is determined to reward corps members’ efforts to improve our state’s socio-economic development. It will also continue to recognize and appreciate every noble initiative and sustain its welfare packages for corps members,” he stated.
He urged corps members to take the orientation course seriously, internalizing the ideals of nation-building as an integral part of their service year.
In her remarks, the State Coordinator of NYSC in Akwa Ibom, Mrs. Chinyere Ekwe, urged corps members posted to Akwa Ibom to approach the orientation course with seriousness as it is designed to equip them for nation-building.
Ekwe encouraged corps members to take the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program seriously, as it provides a platform to overcome the challenges of unemployment. She emphasized the importance of the orientation course, which prepares corps members physically and mentally for a year of national service.
“The NYSC Scheme has evolved with changes in its orientation course content and the introduction of the SAED Programme. This is to encourage self-reliance at the end of your service year. It is, therefore, important that you actively participate in the SAED program throughout the duration of your orientation course and service as well,” Ekwe said.
Ekwe disclosed that about 2,339 corps members were deployed to the state for the one-year national service, comprising 1,121 males and 1,218 females. She commended the state government for its unwavering support in developing facilities at the orientation camp for the welfare of corps members.
The state coordinator admonished the corps members to exhibit exemplary conduct and internalize the ideals of national service as enshrined in the oath of allegiance. The high point of the event was the administration of the Oath of Allegiance on the corps members by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom, Justice Ekaete Obot, represented by Justice Eme Ekong.