Ondo govt restates commitment to Corps members’ welfare, security

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state has reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to the welfare, safety and empowerment of corps members deployed across the state.

Aiyedatiwa, who stated this during the swearing-in ceremony for the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream II corps members, at the Ikare-Akoko Orientation Camp, in Ondo state, charged them to serve diligently and patriotically in the state.

Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mrs. Tolu Adeyemi, the governor, assured that “We are committed to the welfare, security and general empowerment of corps members.”

The governor commended the NYSC scheme for its critical role in fostering national cohesion through cultural integration and inter-ethnic understanding.

He encouraged the corps members to always embrace the core values of the scheme and to participate actively in the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.

He said “The future belongs to the empowered. SAED is a tool to shape that future. Engage it. Own it. Use it.”

Aiyedatiwa also hinted the government plan to embark on infrastructural upgrades at the Ikare-Akoko orientation camp.

The governor also assured that his administration remains steadfast in providing a safe, conducive and enabling environment for the scheme in the state.

The acting chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board who was represented by the Director, Youth Development, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mrs. Catherine Okukpe said the new corps members have joined a prestigious lineage of nation-builders.

She emphasised that in the corps members’ hands lies the torch of hope and urged them to serve with courage, humility and honour.

Okukpe assured them of the state’s readiness to safeguard their welfare and security and encouraged them to serve as good ambassadors while immersing themselves in the cultural richness of their host communities.

The Chairman also commended the NYSC Ondo State Coordinator, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, for upholding high operational standards.

In her remarks, the Coordinator, Bakare, appealed to the state government for further infrastructural development, especially additional hostel facilities, and called on employers to extend adequate support to corps members posted to their establishments.

She outlined the components of the orientation course, emphasizing leadership training, civic education, SAED activities and military drills.

The state Director, reiterated the importance of discipline and full participation while promising a balanced experience of work and recreation.

She said “With the successful commencement of the orientation course, these newly sworn-in corps members are set to embark on a transformative journey of service, growth, and nation-building.”

The ceremony was graced by top government officials, traditional leaders, security agencies and community stakeholders, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to the success of the orientation course and NYSC scheme in the state.

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