National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Funmi Ojo | Oyo
The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has urged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to take advantage of the opportunities provided during their service year to acquire skills and add value to themselves.
The governor, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State, Mrs Olubukola Oladipo, gave the charge during the opening and Swearing-in ceremony of the Batch B, Stream 2, Corps members deployed to Oyo State at the Permanent Orientation Camp in Ogbakuta Iseyin on Friday.
He said, “The orientation programme is designed to test your endurance, physical capacity, and discipline, and prepare you for the tasks ahead. It also provides opportunities to add value to yourself by learning skills for self-actualization, which will help stem the rising tide of graduates’ unemployment.
“I therefore charge you to avail yourselves of the opportunities provided during this orientation exercise. You are the future and hope of this nation, I admonish you to equip yourselves with the right values to ensure a greater future.”
Speaking further, the governor assured the Corps members that his administration will ensure that their welfare is well taken care of as Oyo is saddled with the responsibility to ensure that their one year service is memorable and successful.
“The administration in Oyo State will continue to assist the Scheme in the State by providing conducive environment for its operations. This administration is youth friendly and this has continually been demonstrated with the appointment of young vibrant personality as the Hon. Commissioner for youth and sports who also serves as the Chairman NYSC State Governing board. I make bold to say that she has been working tirelessly to assist and solve challenges that some of our young graduates have encountered in the course of their service to the nation.”
Earlier in his address, the NYSC coordinator Mr Odoba Oche encouraged the corps members to take the orientation course very serious and participate actively.
He said, “I enjoin you to take the Orientation Course seriously, and participate in all activities. The three-week Orientation programme is packaged with various activities designed to ensure the accomplishment of the objectives of the NYSC Scheme which include; paramilitary drills, physical training, citizenship and leadership grooming, lectures and Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development for self reliance.
“You shall also have the opportunity to showcase your talents during drama, cultural dance, Inter-platoon competitions in sports and other camp activities. These activities will equally serve as veritable platform for every Corps member to fully interact with their colleagues from other ethnic groups thus fostering national unity and will provide the avenue for relaxation,” he added.
He appreciated the efforts of the state government in setting a good pace for the scheme.
He said, “The governor has never hidden his affection for the NYSC as demonstrated by his numerous support to the Scheme. We cannot thank you enough for your unwavering support.”
The Oath of allegiance was administered to the Corps members by Justice Muftau Adegboola, representing the State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima.
