The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has charged corps members to be patriotic and selfless in their service to the nation.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2023 Batch 'A' Stream 1 corps members deployed to the state at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Iseyin, Makinde urged the corps members to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme to serve the country selflessly and add value to themselves.
Governor Makinde, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, urged the newly sworn-in Corps members to cultivate the habit of having a healthy relationship with their colleagues during and after the orientation exercise.
He emphasised the importance of nation-building as a collective responsibility while urging the corps members to equip themselves with the right values to ensure a greater future.
He admonished the corps members to see their deployment to new environments as an opportunity to make new friends and break new grounds in their host communities.
While acknowledging that being deployed to new environments can be challenging, Governor Makinde urged the corps members to see this as an opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and make new friends.
He encouraged them to actively seek opportunities to connect with their host communities and make a positive impact on them. Mr.Governor stressed that such connections and experiences are invaluable and can last a lifetime.
Speaking further, the Governor urged the corps members to embrace the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme, designed to empower corps members with the skills necessary to become wealth creators and employers of labour.
He lauded the management of the NYSC scheme for introducing the SAED programme, which he described as a vital tool in addressing the issue of unemployment.
On Security, Makinde said that the State Government would do everything to ensure a conducive and secured environment during and after the orientation exercise.
“We are not unaware of security challenges being experienced in our country. To this effect, we have put in place adequate security measures to check any breakdown of law and order. I hereby urge you to be law-abiding and partner with Oyo State to create a secured environment”, he said.
Governor Makinde equally admonished the corps members to remain apolitical and avoid being used by unscrupulous politicians as the general elections draw near.
He underscored the importance of staying neutral and unbiased in fulfilling their civic duty as unbiased umpires and advised them to resist any promises or incentives from political candidates.
In his welcome address, the Chairman NYSC Governing Board in Oyo State, Honourable Seun Fakorede, congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of their academic programmes and urged them to display a high level of maturity throughout their service year.
He emphasised on the objectives of the orientation exercise, which include grooming corps members to internalise the ideals of the NYSC Scheme and equipping them with leadership skills to meet the challenges of the service year.
Fakorede, who also doubles as the Honourable Commissioner Ministry of Youth and Sports, expressed optimism that the corps members would quickly settle down and contribute to building the state and the country in general.
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Coordinator NYSC Oyo State, Mr Odoba Abel Oche, said that the three-week orientation program would consist of various activities to ensure the accomplishment of the objectives of the NYSC Scheme.
According to him, the activities will include paramilitary drills, physical training, citizenship and leadership grooming, lectures on skill acquisition, and wealth creation for self-reliance.
Over one thousand four hundred Prospective Corps Members were Sworn-In cutting across the thirty-six (36) states and the Federal Capital Territory.They were sworn on oath by the Acting Chief Judge of Oyo State, Honourable Justice Iyabo Yerima.
Highlight of the ceremony was the inspection of the Camp facilities by the Executive Governor of Oyo State Engr Seyi Makinde, ably represented by the Deputy Governor Barrister Bayo Lawal who pledged to improve the camp facilities and provide mattresses for corps members.
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