National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Olatunde Oluwasola
No fewer than 2,144 2023 Batch B, Stream 2 corps members have been deployed to Oyo State for their one year mandatory service.
The Corps members will commence a three weeks orientation at the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp, Iseyin, Oyo State on Wednesday 16th of August to 5th September,2023.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held at the NYSC orientation camp, Iseyin on Friday, the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde urged the Corps Members to brace up to the challenges during their service year.
The governor who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Abdulwaheed Saliu said, “I want to let you know that answering the clarion call behoves a responsibility of hard work, discipline and commitment to the quest for national development and Oyo state in particular.
“Therefore, I expect you to brace up and rise to the challenge with a mindset of sacrifice, dedication, persistence and humility. The priceless contributions of youths to national development in the past fifty (50) years of fostering national unity cannot be overemphasized. Over the years, successive batches of Corps Members have been consistent in demonstrating their commitment to building a better Nigeria through their contributions to education, agriculture, healthcare and innovations in infrastructural development.
“Not only that, the NYSC has been commended for the conduct of fair and credible elections across the country. It was through the same elections that our administration got a renewed mandate to continue the good work that we started during the first term.
“Our administration is youth friendly, so I want to enjoin all of you to join forces with the good people of Oyo State in their resolve to stimulate and accelerate economic and social development. Permit me to impress upon you that, the Orientation Course comprises meticulously scheduled activities with which you would be productively engaged for the duration of the orientation course.
“You shall learn about different initiatives which is the first step to prepare you for the task and challenges of the Service year.
The diverse physical and intellectual activities will position you to develop a sound body in a sound mind which will ultimately put you in the right frame of mind mentally and physically for the rigours of the service year.
“One key component of the orientation course is the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme in which you must participate actively in order to acquire the skill and trainings that will lift you far above the unabated youth unemployment confronting the Country. The SAED programme is geared towards handing you the opportunity to escape the arduous experience of crisscrossing the corners and crevices of the nation for the ever elusive job after the Service Year.
“Let me also use this occasion to assure you that the State Government under my leadership, has left no stone unturned in ensuring that you are safe and secured in Oyo state. The multi-agency security network in the State has all it requires to provide water tight security. This gives an assurance to the citizens, residents, and by extension corps members in the state to be able to sleep with their two eyes closed.
“Finally, I am glad to inform you that Oyo State is one of the most stable, safe and prosperous States in Nigeria. This is evidenced by the warm and pleasant nature of her people basking in a very rich cultural heritage. Our people are very accommodating and you should not be afraid of integrating with your host communities.
“Dear Compatriots, as you remain focused, take some time to reflect on your plan for post service life. I wish you all a successful and rewarding Orientation exercise.”
Earlier, the NYSC Oyo State Coordinator, Mr. Odoba Abel Oche urged corps members to take advantage of the trainings and other activities during their service year.
He also appreciated the Oyo State Governor for the support to the Scheme in the State.
He said, “As part of our efforts to draw the community close to us, we have sent out invitation letters to the various Local Government Authorities requesting that they make their presence felt at the camp. They have the opportunity to showcase their Local Government to the Corps Members here on camp.
“We hosted a few of the Local Government chairmen during the Orientation exercise for the 2023 Batch B stream one corps members. I therefore wish to use this opportunity to appeal to our Local Government Chairmen that have not been part of our programme to embrace this window of opportunity by honouring our invitation.
“My distinguished audience, at this juncture, I wish to thank Mr. Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for his wonderful support for the NYSC in Oyo State. The State has been rated high in the provision of Corps welfare. It is equally on record that payment of allowance of Corps Members serving in the State Government agencies are promptly disbursed.
“‘We also acknowledge the constant assistance and support that we receive towards the successful conduct of every Orientation programme. Worthy of note is the Award that was received by the State Government during the 50th anniversary celebration of NYSC in recognition of its welfare provision for Corps Members.
“I cannot end this address without acknowledging the supportive role of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs Olubukola Oladipo and other Principal staff of the Ministry. We equally appreciate all our distinguished guests who made it a priority to attend this programme.
“I also thank the camp officials who have been working tirelessly to ensure that the programme takes off without any hitch. I want to appeal to you to put in more efforts at ensuring that the course content is strictly adhered to without any compromise.
“To my dear Corps Members, it is my firm belief that you will continue to yourselves throughout the three weeks programme.
Meanwhile, the oath of allegiance was administered by the Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabode Yerima.
