By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
ASHENEWS reports that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Friday swore in 1,530 members deployed to Niger State for the compulsory one-year National service.
The NYSC state coordinator, Mrs. Abdulwahab Olayinka Alidat stated this during the opening ceremony of the 2023 Batch A Stream II Orientation Course and Swearing in of Corps Members posted to the state as well as those dislodged from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The coordinator, while commending the Niger State government for its unwavering support for the scheme however appealed to the state government to speed up the process of renovating the state’s orientation camp.
“It is my hope that the government places priority on the urgent development of the permanent orientation camp to enable us have a befitting and conducive environment to carry out our activities,” she said.
She also enjoined the corps members to abide strictly by the provisions and Bye-laws of the NYSC throughout their service year.
“I enjoin you to continue to be of exemplary behaviour by adhering strictly to the laid down rules ad regulations. I assure you that by God’s grace, the sky shall not be your limit but your starting point,” she said.
On his part, the Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello pledged to ensure the safety of corps members deployed to the state.
Bello, who was represented by Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, the Secretary to the State Government said his administration remained committed to the protection of youth corps members.
Bello also lauded the NYSC for maintaining the ideals of the scheme since its establishment.
“As you should be aware by now, the National Youth Service Corps as an instrument of national unity and integration has over the years continued to forge socio-cultural ties across different ethno-cultural divides of Nigeria.
“It has been able to sustain its mandate of mobilizing Nigerian youths and instilling in them, the tradition of dedication and regard for our collective differences, and you cannot be an exception especially as the scheme prepares to celebrate its golden jubilee this year.
He urged the corps members to remain disciplined throughout their service year.
“You should use your energy, vigor, and enthusiasm to fully partake in issues of national cohesion and nation-building. Youths must avoid the temptation of joining the bandwagon of undemocratic agitations that can be easily hijacked by miscreants and hoodlums.
“As youth corpers, you should see yourselves as progressives with the potential to lead this nation to its desired destination, “he said.