Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has emphasised the importance of national unity in the National Youth Service Corps, highlighting the crucial role of the scheme in fostering a strong sense of cohesion among young people from different regions.
He made the remark, during the official swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 Corps Members at the Permanent Orientation Camp in OgbaKuta, Iseyin.
Makinde who was represented by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, lauded the NYSC for its efforts in bringing together a diverse selection of youths from across the country and urged the Corps Members to make the most of their service year, both in terms of personal development and contributing to the community.
The governor acknowledged the significant role of the NYSC in instilling a sense of national unity among young graduates and emphasized the importance of participating actively in the orientation program, which, he said, provided a variety of opportunities for growth and self-actualisation.
Makinde further encouraged newly sworn-in corps members to see their service as a call to sacrifice, dedication, perseverance, and humility.
He noted that their presence in the state would not only allow them to make new friends and learn from the experiences of others but also provide an opportunity to contribute to the development of the state through various government programs.
“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.”
“We have equally set up some development programs where the youths in their different
fields can utilize their knowledge and skills which will be beneficial to the government.”
“Being part of the development programs will automatically add value to the certificate
you have acquired.”
“Finally, I want to admonish you to see your call to service as call to sacrifice, dedication, perseverance, and humility. Seize this opportunity to make new friends, discover other people’s strength and tap from their experience,” Makinde stressed.
Earlier in his address, the state coordinator of the scheme, Mr. Adoba Oche, enjoined the corps members to take their orientation course seriously and participate in all the activities, adding that the three -week orientation programme is packaged with various activities designed to ensure the accomplishment of the objectives of the NYSC.
“This scheme includes, 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 them the necessary opportunity for relaxation,” he noted.
