By Funmilayo Ojo, IBADAN |
2,222 Corps members have successfully completed their three-week orientation camping in Oyo State for the 2024 Batch ‘A’ Stream II NYSC service year and have been deployed to various organizations and local government areas across the state for their mandatory one-year service to the nation.
Addressing the Corps members during the closing ceremony held on Tuesday, May 7th, at the Permanent Orientation Camp in Iseyin, Oyo State, the governor encouraged them to uphold the values of patriotism, hard work, and resilience throughout their service year and beyond.
The Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, represented by the Commissioner of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke, emphasised the importance of contributing towards the progress and development of Nigeria.
He said, “May I now call on you Corps Members to support and join hands with the State Government in the task of building a stronger, more united, peaceful, and democratic nation. Please shun all forms of anti-social behavior and fraudulent activities. The end of such things is regret and destruction. Allow your parents to reap what they have invested in you and be a source of joy to them.
“I assure you that the state government will be committed to your welfare throughout your stay here.
“Finally, I want to advise you to travel only when absolutely necessary in order to avoid unpleasant consequences. I am wishing you a fruitful and rewarding service year.”
The Oyo State Coordinator of the NYSC Scheme, Mr. Odoba Oche, also appealed to the local government authorities to support the Corps members in implementing the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. He stressed the importance of sponsoring projects identified by Corps members to benefit the host communities.
“I would like to appeal to the local government authorities to seize the opportunity provided by the scheme through the Community Development Programme by sponsoring projects identified by Corps members so that host communities can derive maximum benefits from what they have to offer.
“On our own part, as the managers of the scheme, we will keep challenging the Corps members to identify and execute tangible projects in their localities.”
Meanwhile, the SC has encouraged Corps members to execute tangible projects that will positively impact their localities as they embark on their service year in various parts of Oyo State.
The coordinator concluded by entrusting the Corps members into God’s hands, expressing his hope that their service year would be free of any untoward incidents.