The First Lady of Ondo State, Arabinrin Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu has described National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as a catalyst for development and national unity.
The First Lady said that the corps members serving nationwide are special breed whose uncommon and patriotic zeal for selfless service has become a reference point in the country.
These are the words of Arabinrin Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu when she hosted the new NYSC Ondo State Coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani at the Government House, Akure.
The wife of the Executive Governor of Ondo State disclosed that the establishment of the NYSC Scheme paved way for her to get married to Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN) and she never regretted taking the step.
"The visible impact of the Scheme in all areas of human endeavours to a reasonable extent has increased and deepened its relevance as a platform on whose the much cherished unity of this country stands".
"Members of the service corps have greatly impacted the society through various life-changing projects doting the landscape of this nation, and this bears eloquent testimony to the pivotal roles of the Scheme in promoting and accelerating national development in all sectors of the economy".
The First Lady who is the President of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) said that the Association will continue to engage corps members to enlighten the populace on the dangers inherent in not reporting early detection of breast cancer and at the same time promote cancer education in the society.
Arabinrin Betty Akeredolu, founder of Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation (BAAF), a non-profit organisation with a mission to create opportunities and aspire positive social change for human development believed that partnering with NYSC accelerates the accomplishments of the foundation because of their exposure and interaction.
"Let me inform you that BAAF contributes to the effort of Government and other Non-Governmental organisations in improving the lives of rural dwellers through personal hygiene promotion, education and providing access to sanitation facilities.
The collaboration with NYSC Scheme will further enhance the realisation of our mission statement which is creating opportunities for youth, women and children to improve their lives and contribute to the socio-economic development of their communities" she said.
Her Excellency who is a detribalised Nigerian going by the statistics of personnel working with her lauded the contributions of the NYSC in giving a sense of direction for the members of the service corps to develop their potentials.
"My office accepts corps members and I engage them meaningfully and assign to them challenging tasks so that they can stand on their own in the nearest future"
"It may interest you to know that I received inspiration for most of the things I engage in today during my service year and since then it has been forward ever. If NYSC can open my eyes and consciousness into those things I believed in, I owe the younger generations a commitment to improve their lives".
The mother of the Sunshine State promised to attract assistance to the Scheme in the State by liaising with relevant Government agencies and political class so that objectives of NYSC would be achieved.
Speaking earlier, the State Coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani commended the First Lady for being a very strong pillar of support to NYSC and especially the corps members during various project execution.
"Your Excellency Ma, your unwavering and unflinching support to the NYSC speaks volumes. Without exaggeration, the records showed that you have singlehandedly sponsored many corps members' projects across the state more than some individuals".
Above all, you offer employment opportunity to those that you have implicit trust in. We are indeed grateful for all these Ma".
Mrs. Ani said that the humility and hospitable nature of the First Lady is worthy of emulation.
"I count it as as a privilege to be granted audience by the First Lady despite her very tight and challenging schedules. This is an eloquent testimony to the humility and positive disposition of Arabinrin Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu to youths of this country.
The Ondo State NYSC boss specifically requested for intervention of the State Government for more hostel accommodation at the Permanent Orientation Camp as well as provision of operational vehicle which will enhance the operations of the scheme in all corps locations within the State.
The State Coordinator while pledging her support to the Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation (BAAF) and Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), promised to work with the Office of the First Lady so that she can achieve her best desire for the State.
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