Shun truancy, other anti-social behaviours, Makinde urges Corps members

… as Odoba charges Oyo Corps members to remain law-abiding

Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday, urged corps members to engage in productive activities and shun all forms of anti-social behaviours.

ALSO READ: https://tribuneonlineng.com/make-your-service-year-productive-memorable-makinde-urges-corps-members/

Makinde stated this during the closing of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream I Orientation Course for Corps members deployed to Oyo state, at the NYSC camp in Ogbakuta, Iseyin.

The governor, who was represented by the Director of Youth Development, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs Kudirat Mustapha, urged the Corps members to shun all forms of anti-social behaviours, but rather engage themselves in productive activities, and be diligent, dedicated and law abiding in the discharge of their duties.

He said, “Fellow compatriots, I enjoin you to be diligent, dedicated and law abiding in the discharge of your duties. Shun truancy and other forms of anti-social behaviours such as cultism, drug abuse, internet scam and the likes. You should rather engage yourself in productive activities.”

Makinde also urged the Corps members to focus on the lessons and the skills acquired during their 3-week orientation exercise and how to apply them for the improvement of the society, Oyo State and the nation during their service year and beyond.

According to him, the skills acquired in camp would be useful for the improvement of society during service year and beyond.

“This is quite an interesting moment for you to look back at all the activities that you have been engaged in and focus on the lessons and the skills acquired and how to apply them for the improvement of the society during service year and beyond.

“I have no doubt in my mind that the various trainings you have passed through would be of great value to you in your life’s journey. May I equally remind you that as patriots in service, we must all join hands to build a stronger, more united, peaceful and democratic nation.

“I want to assure you that government will not relent in its efforts at addressing your welfare needs and ensuring your safety wherever you are posted. I urge you to pay special attention to the development of your host communities by identifying viable projects that will positively impact on the lives of our people.

“I am aware that several motivational lectures were organised for you and that the skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme was in the front burner. All these are geared towards preparing you for post service self-employment.

“I enjoin you to ponder seriously on this in the remaining eleven months of your service. It is my expectation that at the end of your service year, you will become job creators rather than job seeking.”

He, therefore, implored the Corps members to pay special attention to the development of their host communities by identifying and undertaking viable projects that would positively impact the lives of the people.

“It is important to inform you once again that you have nothing to fear as the people of Oyo State are loving, peaceful and very hospitable. So, I want you to be rest assured that you will find the environment right to live and work,” he added.

Earlier, the Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Mr Abel Odoba, urged Corps employers not to see corps members as birds of passage, but as future leaders that need to be moulded and shaped in conformity to the acceptable standard.

Odoba appealed to the employers to provide them with basic needs such as accommodation and transportation or allowance in lieu.

“We must guide and support them. Correct them with wisdom and commend them when they exhibit leadership and excellence. Let us not view them merely as temporary visitors, but as future leaders who need nurturing, mentoring, and encouragement,” he said.

He charged the Corps members to strive and be committed to duties in return for a good welfare package.

The coordinator also enjoined them to remain law-abiding and accept challenges to have an added edge in life.

He said, “I urge you to let the core values of selfless service, patriotism, discipline, and teamwork continue to guide your journey. Your success in this service year depends largely on your character, attitude, and willingness to serve.

“Be respectful of the customs and cultures of your host communities, avoid unauthorized travel, and embrace every opportunity for personal and professional growth. I implore you to enhance your academic qualifications by acquiring practical skills that will serve you beyond the service year.”

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