The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde on Tuesday warned Corps members posted to the state to avoid living reckless lifestyles and travelling indiscriminately especially considering the present security challenges in the country.
The governor stated this during the closing ceremony of the 2023 Batch C stream 1 orientation exercise for Corps members at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Iseyin.
He said, “It is pertinent to warn you against living a reckless life. You should be able to account credibly for the way you spend your service year. Your period of service is not for gallivanting but should be a period of sober reflection on what you can make out of yourselves after the service year.
“Lay your hands-on skills and develop the entrepreneurial spirit in you to be able to sustain yourself after service.
Makinde, represented by the Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke equally charged the Corps members to impart knowledge acquired from their various institutions of learning in their Place of Primary Assignment (PPA).
He also tasked them on selfless service, stating, “the selfless service you have been called to render is not only a job or task to be done, but also an act of radiating love, bringing succour and hope to the underprivileged,”
Makinde, therefore, implored them to make a good impact in their host communities and give their best during their service year.
Furthermore, the governor encouraged the Corps members to be patriotic, as “patriotism is key in national development. You have been taught how to practice and impact patriotic values, as it would help in building a stronger nation.”
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.
“We as a government are mindful of the purpose of the establishment of the NYSC scheme and we intend to offer a conducive environment for you to thrive.”
On his part, the Oyo NYSC state coordinator, Mr Odoba Abel Oche admonished the Corps members against any act of indiscipline or anti-social behaviour as it goes against the rules of the scheme.
“Steer clear of any act of indiscipline or anti-social behaviour. You should avoid unnecessary journeys, especially outside the state and if you must travel, ensure you obtain written permission through the appropriate channel of communication.”
Furthermore, the state coordinator warned against any act of absenteeism, truancy or indiscipline on the part of the Corps members as such behaviours will not be condoned and would be met with appropriate sanctions stipulated by the NYSC Bye-Laws.
Odoba, therefore, appreciated the efforts of the Oyo state government saying, “I wish to thank the governor for his unrelenting support both financially and materially to the scheme. Also, I appreciate the Chairman of the NYSC Oyo State Governing Board who doubles as the the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke for always giving us words of encouragement.
Earlier, the Local Government Chairman of Iseyin LGA, Hon Abilawon Muftau advised the Corps members to feel free to reside in any part of the LGA, and Oyo state in general as “every part of Oyo is safe and good. I want to encourage them to be free in living and relating with residents of their communities.”
He encouraged them to endeavour to give their best in their PPA and community and also reiterated the commitment to ensure that Corps members posted to Iseyin are comfortable and well taken care of.
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