The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Friday, tasked Corps members posted to the state to be more focused, dedicated and committed to the nation-building and Oyo state in particular during their service year.
The governor stated this at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2023 Batch ‘B’ (Stream 2) Corps Members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Iseyin, Oyo State.
Governor Makinde , who was represented at the event by Commissioner for Education , Science and Technology ,Prof. Saliu Abdul Waheed , charged the Corps members to brace up and rise to the current challenges in the country with a mindset of sacrifice, dedication, persistence, and humanity.
The governor enjoined Corps members to join forces with the good people of Oyo State in their resolve to stimulate and accelerate economic and social development.
He urged the corps members to take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme, specifically developed to mitigate the high rate of unemployment bedeviling the country.
The governor reiterated the commitment of the state government to security of lives and properties as well as the welfare of Corps Mermbers serving in the state.
He said: “Dear Compatriots,
I am highly delighted to welcome these graduate youths to Oyo State, a unique and blessed and dotted with many first of its kind landmarks and achievements. You are indeed privileged to be posted to Oyo as you would find out in no time exactly as it is in the Pace Setter State.
“It is noteworthy that against all odds, you made the grades in your different institutions of learning which qualified you to be called up for national service. I therefore congratulate you on this laudable feat.
“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 preparing you for the tasks 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 to acquire the skills and training 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 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 wealthy 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.
“It is on this note that I formally declare the 2023 Batch ‘B’ (Stream 2) Orientation Course open.”
In his remarks, the Oyo State Coordinator, NYSC, Mr. Abel Odoba, said that the youths in Nigeria must be transformed, by using a vision-based approach for the nation to attain its greatness.
He explained that the whole essence of national development could only be achieved by focusing on building young people’s strength and skills.
“Engaging the youths for one year in the task of nation building is quite a laudable programme which the scheme has been running for the past fifty, 50 years.
“The three weeks duration of the orientation programme will play host to various activities designed to ensure the accomplishment of the objectives of the NYSC scheme.
“These include paramilitary drills; physical training, citizenship and leadership grooming and lectures on skill acquisition for self-reliance,“ he said.
Also, in her submission, Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports , Mrs. Olubukola Oladipo, urged the corps members to tap from the intensive physical, leadership, and entrepreneurship development training of the scheme.
“I want to charge you at this critical stage of your life to wake up to the reality of life as your destinies are now in your hands, the scheme designs these trainings to groom, build and prepare you to be amenable for nation building, “she said.
The opening ceremony featured the administration of oath of allegiance to the corps members by the Chief Judge of Oyo state, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima.