The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has deployed 1,310 corps members for the 2023 Batch A, stream 1, to Bayelsa State for the mandatory one-year national service.
The State Governor, Douye Diri, on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony held at NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp Boro Town, assured the new corps members of adequate security and welfare.
Gov. Diri, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Dr Daniel Igali, commended the founders of the Service Corps and successive administrations for sustaining the Scheme.
He described the NYSC as the champion of national unity and integration and expressed optimism that with the Youth Corps members, the labour of the heroes’ past will not be in vain.
According to him, “You are the hope of our nation as you represent the most educated, exposed and enlightened segment of youths in Nigeria. Other youths, including tertiary, secondary students as well as primary school pupils are looking up to you to provide quality leadership and mentorship that will transform Nigeria. You cannot afford to fail Nigeria”.
He challenged them to copy their predecessors who meritoriously served the nation in Bayelsa State by effectively discharging their duties in various places of primary and secondary assignments.
While welcoming the corps members to Bayelsa State, he emphasised that the government remained highly committed to their security and welfare as well as continued to support the management of the Scheme to achieve the objectives of the NYSC.
“Let me use this opportunity to enjoin those of you that will be participating as INEC Adhoc staff in the forthcoming general elections to be non-partisan and avoid all actions and omissions that will be detrimental to the smooth conduct of free, fair and credible elections in the state. Abide by all the electoral regulations and be security conscious at all times.”
Earlier, the State Coordinator, Mrs Okpalifo Obiageli Charity, thanked the Governor, government and the good people of Bayelsa State for the clear demonstration of love and support for the Service Corps.
She said, “Your Excellency sir, I want to use this medium too, on behalf of the NYSC management and over 6000 corps members in the state, thank you for your support of the scheme. I have been reliably informed that the use of this Permanent Orientation Camp would not have been possible without your support.”
“I wish to specially mention your approval for fencing of the camp, construction of walkways within the camp and your directive for two additional hostels to be built on camp to address accommodation challenges. Indeed, sir, you have greatly motivated the Service Corps and corps members to serve Bayelsa State”.
She commended the Acting State Chief Judge for personally attending the programme and thanked the Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on NYSC Matters, Kolokuma/ Opokuma LGA Chairman, Paramount Rulers of Kolokuma and Opokuma kingdoms, collaborating partners and members of the press for the massive support to the NYSC.
She advised the corps members to take the orientation course seriously as careful and deliberate programmes have been designed to adequately prepare and equip them for optimum performance during and after the service year.
“During the course of this exercise, you will undergo drills, physical training, leadership training, lectures on your immediate environment and a variety of topics of national importance, skills acquisition training and socials.”
Highlights of the event was the administration of National and NYSC Pledges on the corps members by the Acting State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Maltide Abrakasa Ayemieye.
