National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Funmilayo Ojo l Ibadan
Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde has assured Corps members of safety at the upcoming general election in the State.
Makinde also assured them of better welfare as they begin their one year compulsory service in the state.
Makinde stated this during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2023 Batch A, Stream 1, corps members at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation Camp, Iseyin on Friday.
The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Adebayo Lawal promised that his administration is determined to create huge investment in youths.
He said, “On the part of our administration, the Oyo State government is determined to create huge investment in youths. We will do everything within our capacity to ensure a conducive and secured environment during and after the orientation exercise. We are not unaware of the 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”.
The Governor also urged them to be apolitical in the discharge of their duties during the election “As the general elections are drawing near do not make yourselves available to be used by unscrupulous politicians. Remain apolitical as your calling demands”. Adding that the welfare of a corps members deployed to the state remain our utmost priority, he said.
“On the alarming rate of unemployment among the graduate youths. I charge you to embrace the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. Which is designed to empower the corps members with a skill that can turn you to wealth creators and employers of labour during and after your service year”.
In his address the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Seun Fakorede called on the corps members to avail themselves of the opportunities this platform offers.
Fakorede who doubles as the Chairman, NYSC Oyo State Governing board, urged the corps members to take advantage of the leadership trainings that will be available to them during their service year.
“part of our statutory obligation to the corps members, the Governing Board has concluded every arrangement for their welfare to ensure stay is interesting and rewarding. A conscious effort would be made to post them to the core areas as stipulated by the posting policy of NYSC.”
Speaking earlier, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Odoba Oche, stated that the orientation exercise will strengthen the leadership skills of the corps members.
“The three weeks duration of the orientation programme will feature activities designed to ensure that accomplishment of the objectives of the NYSC Scheme. These include paramilitary drills, physical training, citizenship and leadership grooming, lectures on skill acquisition and wealth creation for self-reliance”.
He however expressed appreciation to the Oyo state governor for the support they have enjoyed in the scheme during the administration which according to him includes the prompt payment of corps teacher’s allowance and other corps members in the State Govt agencies.
Highpoint of the event was the administration of the oath of allegiance by the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Muktar Abimbola who was represented at the occasion by Honourable Justice Iyabo Yerima and the inspection of the NYSC camp hostel facilities and medical units by his Excellency and entourage for quick renovation and replacement of bed items.
A total of 1,362 corps members were posted to Oyo State as follows: males 439, and females, 923.
