Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has encouraged the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to the state to embrace service, skills development, and community engagement.
Governor Makinde gave the remark during the closing ceremony of the orientation programme of 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream One corps members at the Permanent Orientation Camp in Ogbakuta, Iseyin.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke, congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of their three-week induction exercise.
“I have no doubt in my mind that the various trainings you have passed through would be of great value to you in your life’s journey.”
He emphasized the importance of the NYSC motto, “Service and Humility,” as a guiding principle for the corps members.
Governor Makinde assured the corps members that the state government would continue to prioritize their welfare and safety during their time in Oyo State.
He encouraged them to identify viable community development projects that would positively impact the lives of the people.
Highlighting the focus on skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development during the orientation programme, the governor expressed his hope that the corps members would strive to become job creators rather than job seekers at the end of their service year.
The governor also addressed the corps members’ security concerns, assuring them that the people of the state are “loving, peaceful and very hospitable,” and that they would find the environment conducive to live and work in.
Governor Makinde urged the corps members to be diligent, dedicated, and law-abiding in the discharge of their duties, and to shun any form of anti-social behavior.
Earlier in his address, the state coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Adoba Abel Oche, commended the corps members for their splendid conduct and obedience to instructions from the camp officials, as well as their level of interaction and cross-fertilization of socio-cultural ideas and experiences.
The state coordinator highlighted that the orientation course content was designed to mold the participants mentally, psychologically, and physically.
He expressed confidence that the corps members were now fully prepared to appreciate the important role they are expected to play in nation-building.
Mr. Oche particularly noted the significance of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, which has enabled the corps members to learn different skills and redirect their mindset from seeking white-collar jobs.
He appealed to all corps employers to be responsive to their responsibilities towards the corps members’ welfare, emphasizing the need to foster a cordial relationship that would motivate the corps members to give their best in national service.
The state coordinator expressed his gratitude to the State Government, camp officials, sponsors, and other invited guests for their support and assistance in ensuring a successful orientation programme.
He urged the corps members to accept their posting in good faith and report to their various places of primary assignment, pledging to visit them at their locations to monitor their progress.
