ISELE-UKU/Nigeria: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, has said, the National Youth Service Corps scheme has contributed immeasurably to the unity and development of the country, adding that the gains of the scheme outnumbers the challenges as it provides a good vehicle for integration and managing youths across the nation.
Governor Okowa, stated this at the opening /swearing-in ceremony of the 2017 Batch ‘B’ stream 1 orientation course, at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State.
The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, noted that NYSC, over the years has become an enduring vehicle for national unity and integration. He noted that it offers the youths opportunity to contribute to the sustainable development of the nation through its articulated programmes and initiatives.
The governor while congratulating the new Corps members on their academic success, charged them to actively engage themselves in all the programmes and activities of the orientation course. According to him, available records in the state show that their predecessors demonstrated high levels of commitments and dedication to service.
“Your predecessors contributions to host communities, speaks volume of their sacrifices and will remain indelible in the minds of the affected communities. Today’s induction marks your official inauguration into the scheme and offers you an opportunity to register your preparedness to contribute your quota to national development”. Gov. Okowa stated.
The governor assured that the state government will not relent in its commitment to ensure that their service year is successful, noting that government determination to straighten and deepen the scheme is derived from the recognition that to drive rural transformation and achieve prosperity for all Deltans, government must steadfastly engage the youths and ensure the creation of enabling environment for them to use their talents.
Gov. Okowa, noted that the orientation course will prepare them for the enormous tasks ahead, as it will offer the Corps members opportunity to learn the core values of discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, social justice, religious tolerance, self-reliance and patriotism. He assured that government will continue to upgrade the camp facilities to ensure that the welfare of corps members is well protected.
The Secretary to the State Government, SSG, who is also the Chairman Delta State NYSC Governing Board, Rt. Hon. Ovie Agas who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Mr. Godwin Edama, sued for the cooperation of the corps members during their service year.
He noted that the physical and mental training during the orientation course will enable them cope with the present day challenges. He added that the programme will breed bridge of unity among different ethnic background.
Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Omotade Ayodele Benjamin, in a welcome address, said the NYSC was established in 1973, among other things to instill the virtues of patriotism, industry, selfless service and self discipline in the youths of the nation.
He noted that, in Delta State, at the end of the registration, a total of two thousand, seven hundred and thirteen (2,713) corps members comprising one thousand, three hundred and forty-two (1,342) males and one thousand, three hundred and seventy-one (1,371) females were duly registered.
Mr. Omotade said that the scheme is a preparatory ground for future leaders of the country and a rallying point for mobilizing Nigerian youths for national goals and economic growth of the country. He challenged the corps members to put in their best in areas of primary assignment and the community development service.
