•Oyo state is habitable for all — Commissioner
The Oyo state government has expressed its readiness to provide quality welfare and ensure the safety of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the state.
This was disclosed by the Governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2023 Batch C stream 2 Corps members at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Iseyin.
Makinde, represented by the Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke said that the state government is working on ensuring a conducive environment for corps members posted to the state.
Speaking in his address to the Corps members, Governor Makinde said, “The state government will do all in her capacity to ensure that you have a memorable camp experience.
“It is noteworthy to emphasise that Oyo state is relatively safe and free from many forms of security challenges that many states are battling with. As a government, we have put everything necessary in place to ensure your stay is truly worthwhile by prioritising your welfare.”
He also stated that the government is working with all security agencies to ensure the safety of the lives of corps members.
“I want to assure you of the continuous pro-activeness of the security agencies under the supervision of this administration to forestall and provide a timely response to any security challenge that may rear its head against Corps members and other citizens of the state.”
Furthermore, the governor congratulated and encouraged the corps members, saying “take up challenges of the service year with the right mindset, attitude and approach of hard work, self-discipline, self-control and commitment in the aspiration for national development and Oyo state in particular.”
He urged them to avail themselves of the unique opportunity to participate actively in all the camp activities during the three-week orientation and urged them to take good advantage of the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial capacity through the scheme’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.
On her part, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, represented by the Director, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Kudirat Mustapha urged the Corps members to utilise their service year and make the right choices for their future.
She said, “Oyo people are loving, caring and accommodating in nature to make your stay a memorable and interesting one. Feel free to interact with people, familiarise yourselves with our ways of life and enjoy our highly nutritious foods.
“Make sure you tap from the intensive physical, leadership and skill acquisition trainings that are designed by the scheme to groom, build and prepare you to be amenable for nation building.”
Earlier, the Oyo NYSC state coordinator, Mr Odoba Abel Oche admonished the Corps members to avail themselves to make good use of the unique opportunities during their service year.
Speaking on the welfare of Corps members, Odoba said, “Oyo state is known for being hospitable. There are many Corps members who had the intention of redeploying after the three weeks orientation, but have now changed their minds because of the serene atmosphere and security in the state.”
Odoba also encouraged them to learn from the rich cultural heritage of the Oyo people, urging them to “seize this unique opportunity of national service to learn about the culture ways of life. These are the things that promote unity and integration which is the whole essence of the NYSC scheme.”
He appreciated the state government’s efforts in supporting the scheme, “I thank the Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for his unrelenting efforts in supporting the NYSC scheme in the state. It is no longer news that Oyo state under the leadership of His Excellency has been adjudged to be number one in the provision of Corps welfare.”
He also applauded the efforts of the NYSC governing board for their support and contribution to the smooth running of the scheme.
Highlight of the event was the administration of the oath of allegiance to 3,051 corps members posted to the state by the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabode Yerima who was represented by Justice Rachael Boyede Akintola.
Present at the event were the representatives of collaborating agencies which include, the Nigeria Army, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, Man O’ War and host of others.
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