BY ORUMWENSE SARAH
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has received commendation from the State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Ben-Ushie Frances Ifeoma, for his steadfast commitment to supporting the NYSC scheme in Edo.
The accolades came during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch A Stream II Orientation Course, held in Okada, headquarters of Ovia North-East Local Government Area. Among the Governor’s gestures was the provision of luxury buses to convey corps members to their places of primary assignment (PPAs).
Speaking at the event on behalf of Governor Okpebholo, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Aiyegbeni Balogun, congratulated corps members on their courage, resilience, and dedication throughout the orientation exercise. “It is with great joy and pride that we celebrate your successful completion of the first phase of your NYSC year,” he said.
He praised the corps members for their enthusiasm and discipline, encouraging them to uphold the lessons and values learned during the orientation as they proceed to their PPAs. He urged them to respect local cultures and traditions, integrate harmoniously with their host communities, and leave behind positive legacies, reminding them that Edo is renowned for its warm and hospitable people.
In her address, NYSC State Coordinator Mrs. Ben-Ushie highlighted that the three-week orientation equipped corps members with skills and knowledge vital for nation-building. She commended their adaptability during drills, lectures, and the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, urging them to build on these experiences for economic empowerment and life beyond their service year.
She called on corps members to reciprocate the Edo State Government’s support by serving diligently and contributing meaningfully to their host communities.
Dignitaries present included the Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, represented by Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Charles Ochem; Camp Commandant, Captain U. Y. Ozegya; Director of Military Hospital, represented by Major O. S. Ojo; and the DPO of Okada Police Division, represented by DSP Edet Solomon.
The ceremony’s high point was the corps members’ hearty cheers to Governor Okpebholo and the inspection of the 2025 Batch A Stream II Corps members led by the Parade Commander.
