The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde has charged corps members to exhibit the spirit of dedication and hard work having responded to the clarion call.
Makinde gave the charge while officially declaring open the 2023 Batch ‘B’ stream 2 orientation course going on at the Oyo National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Permanent Orientation camp, Iseyin.
The governor who presided over the ceremony was represented by the Hon. Commissioner for Education, Science & Technology, Prof. Saliu Abdulwaheed Adelabu.
Delivering his speech, the governor noted that the priceless contributions of youths to national development in the past fifty (50) years of fostering national unity cannot be overemphasized.
The governor also observed that “successive batches of corps members have been consistent in demonstrating their commitment to building a better Nigeria through their contributions to education, agriculture, healthcare and innovations in infrastructural development.”
Speaking on the orientation course, he noted that the meticulously scheduled activities of the camp would position the corps members mentally and physically for the rigours of the service year.
He equally noted that the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme which is one key component of the orientation course should be taken seriously by all corps members in order to acquire the skill and training that will lift them far above the unabated youth unemployment confronting the nation.
While assuring the corps members of their safety in Oyo State, Makinde declared that the ‘Pacesetter State’ is rich in cultural heritage and tourist attractions where they can easily see the work of nature and enjoy the bliss attached to it.
Speaking also at the occasion, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs Olubukola Oladipo noted that obeying the clarion call is an act of patriotism that requires a high level of commitment, dedication and selflessness not forgetting the fact that NYSC’s establishment is premised on uncompromising national integration.
She, therefore, charged them to be their brother’s keeper, cohabit peacefully, enjoy their stay and continue to strive towards realizing the lofty ideals of the founding fathers of the Scheme.
Earlier in his introductory address, the NYSC, Oyo State Coordinator, Mr Odoba Abel Oche commended the efforts of the Federal Government in its task of using a vision-based approach to transform the youths and make them amenable to nation-building.
He said as agents of change and builders of tomorrow, the youths must be given adequate attention in leadership grooming. He appreciated the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde for his wonderful support for the NYSC in Oyo State, noting that the state has been rated high in the provision of corps welfare.
Highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the oath of allegiance on the PCMs by the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Honourable Justice Iyabo Yerima on the over 2,000 corps members deployed to Oyo and those dislodged from Lagos State.
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