…charges Corps Members on Nation Building
By Udesinanna Stephen, Akubulu Ngozi, Deborah Christopher
The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji said his administration will continue to support the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in the state by providing meal subsidies for the Orientation Course, and address inadequate
facilities in the camp.
The Governor said this in his address delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports, Mrs. Tola Faselula during the official swearing-in of 2023 batch ‘A’ stream II corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ise-orun/Emure, Ekiti State.
In his words, “On our part, we will continue to support the scheme with available resources. In the area of provision of meal subsidy for the Orientation Course. Also to be addressed are the inadequate facilities in the camp including the need for a multipurpose hall for the Orientation camp and other needs will be gradually taken care of.”
He also called on corporate organizations, non-governmental organizations, and well-
meaning individuals to join the government in sustaining a good future for the youths.
The Governor charged the corps members on nation-building and integration of Nigerian citizens.
Oyebanji said, “the Orientation exercise is a starting point for the service year and it is designed to give you a firm and sound understanding of the aims and objectives of the NYSC Scheme which will enable you to imbibe the ideals of the Scheme; the course is also to equip you with necessary skills that will enable you to meet the challenges of the service year and beyond.”
The Governor appreciated the Corps members who served along the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state during the 2023 general elections. He described them as heroes of democracy, stating that their efforts contributed to the democratic progression, national unity, peace, and stability of the country.
Furthermore, Oyebanji appreciated the contributions of Corps members in areas of education, agriculture, infrastructural development, and particularly the impact of the Scheme in bringing health succour to the vulnerable communities members through the quarterly Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) Which recently took place at the Palace of Olufaki of lfaki-Ekiti.
Also speaking at the event is the State Coordinator NYSC Ekiti, Mrs. Mary Nenna Chikezie who said the 2023 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Corps Members deployed to the state are to be sworn in today, a time when the scheme marks its golden jubilee.
More so, the state Coordinator appreciated the state Governor, for his support to the scheme in the state.
“I wish to appreciate His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for his unwavering support to the Scheme in the state most especially in the area of meal subsidy for us in camp. We equally appreciate His Excellency for creating an enabling environment for Corps members to live peacefully in the
state. The Lord will not forget your labour of love and He will reward you and the State.”
Moving on, the state Coordinator advised the incoming Corps members to take the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programmes seriously by participating in the training “as we are all aware of the ravaging menace of unemployment confronting nations of the world; including our own.” She added.
On the orientation programme, she said the orientation course contents are designed to instill discipline in Corps members and prepare them for assignments after the course.
She encouraged the Corps members to participate in all camp activities saying that the scheme has put in place various reward platforms to encourage and appreciate all outstanding corps members in camp and in the course of the service year.
She cautioned Corps members to
“avoid wrong and indiscriminate use of the social media, political affiliations or discussions, cultism,
Illicit drug usage, gambling, drunkenness, and other negative vices in and outside the camp;” adding that corps members who violate the rules and regulations will be punished as the camp court will be constituted in no distance time.