The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has urged Corps members to make their service year productive and memorable by getting equipped with relevant skills to be self-reliant rather than job seekers.
Makinde stated this during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch A stream 1 orientation exercise for Corps members at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Iseyin.
The Governor, who was represented by the Director of Youth Development, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs Kudirat Mustapha, admonished the Corps members to be open minded and assimilate all the trainings they are to receive on this camp.
He said, “The National Youth Service Corps initiative which has been developed to groom young graduates to become dynamic in meeting and solving new challenges for the development of our country is a laudable one.
“NYSC’s unquantifiable contributions to the indivisibility of our country cannot be over emphasised. The scheme has not compromised its mission to mobilise and groom graduate youths for the promotion of national unity, sustainable development, self-reliance and prepare them for the challenges of leadership.”
Makinde, therefore, enjoined the NYSC members to embrace skill acquisition to become self-reliant and wealth creators.
“Orientation course is the foundation of your one year national service, packaged in a regimented way with rich programmes including physical, leadership, Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship (SAED) trainings.
“I appeal to you at this juncture to take the aforementioned programs seriously, which are all targeted at making you a better version of yourselves, especially the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development program, which has been designed to equip you with relevant skills that will enable you become self-reliant and wealth creator rather than job seeker,” he stated.
The governor further, commended the efforts of parents and guardians for “their huge sacrifice of giving you the best gift one can give a child.
“I want to encourage you not to disappoint them as I pray for them to eat the fruits of their labour.”
On security, Makinde urged the Corps members to accommodate and tolerate others and always remember “our diversity is our identity and understanding binds us together as a nation. Though, you shall find yourselves in a totally new environment, it should be taken as an avenue to make new friends and break new grounds.
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“Oyo State is totally safe, peaceful, and habitable for all and sundry irrespective of your cultural background, religion, and tribe. We have a flourishing economy thriving on the industrious, friendly, and hospitable nature of our people. In short, our dear State is blessed with all that pertains to good.
“As a Government, I want to reiterate our uncompromising commitment towards providing adequate security for lives and property of citizens and residents of our dear state. We remain resolute on maintaining our pacesetting role in terms of Corps welfare. In full acknowledgment of this, I will say, you are indeed privileged to be posted to Oyo State, a land of possibilities and endless opportunities.”
Earlier, the Oyo State NYSC coordinator, Mr Odoba Abel Oche congratulated the Corps members on the successful completion of their academic journey and transition into the NYSC scheme.
Odoba also lauded the efforts of the Governor for his “tireless supporter of youth development and a true partner of the NYSC. I equally appreciate the gracious presence of His Lordship, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon, Justice lyabo Yerima, whose commitment to upholding justice and strengthening civic institutions remains commendable.
“This Orientation Camp marks the beginning of what promises to be a deeply rewarding and transformative journey.
“Throughout this three-week Orientation Course, you will be immersed in a structured programme designed to develop your leadership, foster discipline, build resilience, and prepare you for impactful service.
“You’ll participate in paramilitary drills, leadership training, the SAED programme, cultural exchange, lectures, and social activities all aimed at building the best version of you,
“As you step into this new phase of your lives, I enjoin you to take full advantage of the welfarist posture of our new Director General. Be proactive, resourceful, and responsible. Let your conduct reflect the high standards of the scheme and the renewed hope that this new leadership embodies. Be ambassadors of excellence, not just for NYSC, but for your families, your alma mater, and our dear nation.”
The Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Hon. Justice Mojisola Sule administered the oath of allegiance to 2,813 Corps members comprising of 1,172 males and 1,641 females.
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