NYSC: Project national interest, above primordial sentiments ―Dickson

GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa has urged corps members deployed in the state to protect national interest above primordial sentiments in course of their mandatory one year service in the state.

Dickson gave the charge in Kaiama, Kolokumo/Opokuma Local Government Area on Thursday during the swearing-in-ceremony of the 2017 batch ‘B steam 1 corps members in the state.

He emphasised that service to our fatherland (Nigeria) was the hallmark of good citizenship.

Represented by Mr Collins Cocordia, the state Commissioner for Youth Development, the governor also counselled the corps members on importance of sacrifice, dedication and patriotism to their fatherland

“As a youth on national assignment, you must shun all forms of ethnic, religious and political cleavages. In all your dealings, loyalty to the nation must be upheld above your personal interest.

“You must strive to be better examples of patriotic citizens. I, therefore, urge you to take the opportunity given to you by the NYSC scheme to contribute your own quota in accelerating development to our fatherland.

“At you orientation camp and when you are eventually posted to your places of primary assignment, you must put the nation first. Take all aspects of orientation exercise seriously and ensure that you participate actively in all camp programmes,” the governor said.

Earlier, Mrs Loto Bolade, state Co-ordinator of NYSC, said that the camp officials had registered 1, 616 corps members in the batch.

Bolade described the orientation course as the foundation of the year-long programme, saying that the corps members have so far exhibited a high level of discipline and readiness for the scheme.

“The camp course provides an opportunity to prepare the corps members for a better understanding and internationalisation of the ideals of NYSC programme.

“We believe at the end of the exercise, the corps members will not only become acquainted with their immediate environment but also get equipped with practical social, leadership and self-dependent skills that will enable them to meet the challenges of the service year,” she said.