OKADA (OVIA NORTH-EAST) – Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki has declared closed the 2019 Batch “C” Stream 1, orientation course for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to the state.
Governor Obaseki told the 1,835 Corp members to display a high sense of discipline gained from their academic exposure backed by the paramilitary discipline and entrepreneurial knowhow gained from the three weeks orientation course. The Governor advised them to positively use the experience gained and impact on their areas of primary assignment
The Governor who was represented by the Deputy, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu said the youths on mandatory one year national service to their fatherland
were being posted to “specific areas of critical needs for the enhancement of rural health care delivery, education, rural infrastructure and agricultural development in the various parts of the state.”
Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu told the youth corp members to “Make use of gained entrepreneurial skills in the camp to become employers of labour instead of hoping to swell the civil service where white collar jobs are no more available.”
He continued, “I am aware of the various physical, mental and entrepreneurial development programmes you were exposed to these past three weeks. These programmes were organized to add value to your lives, make you better Nigerians and guide your steps during and after the service year.”
He noted that the skills acquisition programme, “Aligns with the Federal Government’s policy of equipping young graduates with necessary skills to boost self reliance and enhance entrepreneurship which serves as the desired catalyst for our industrial development.”
He advised the youth corp members to use their posting to Edo State, “to mainstream into the socio- economic development areas of their primary assignment, adding that the complementary role in nation building is needed at this critical time when the nation is faced with both political and economic challenges.”
He urged them to shun all vices in society that could impede development against the backdrop that, “our nation in general and Edo State in particular is undergoing various reforms and developmental challenges in their entire polity.”
He also encouraged the youths to, go into the midst of our people, interact with them freely and respect their traditions and cultures wherever you find yourself.
“I want to assure you that the good people of Edo state are peaceful, loving, enlightened, accommodating and God fearing. Be assured of the total support of our people in making your stay in the state memorable and rewarding. ”
State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Adebayo Ojo speaking on the conduct of the corp members said that “they have exhibited a great deal of discipline, courage, resilience and responsibility by their amenability to training and prompt response to all camp activities.
” They have indeed proven beyond reasonable doubts that Nigerian youths, given the right training, support and guidance can attain the expected dream, vision, mission and objectives of the founding fathers of the scheme.
“Don’t forget to seek permission through the right channels of communication whenever you want to travel outside your places of primary assignment.”
A Corp Member, Ngobidi Linda said the orientation process was, “tough, challenging but I learnt a lot on how to conduct myself in my area of primary assignment. I learnt how to sell recharge cards through my phone as part of the entrepreneurial skill learnt during the orientation process.”
The Deputy Governor with the Commissioner for Youths, Hon. Damian Lawani and Ovia North-East Chairman, Hon. Scott Ogbemudia, other officials of government with the State Coordinator of the NYSC later inspected facilities at the permanent orientation camp.
