The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has encouraged youths, especially Corps members to focus on learning new skills, practical knowledge and embark on new adventures for self-employment and self-reliance as a major post-service option.
He stated this at the official opening/swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch B, Stream II National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Orientation course, at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu.
Represented by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, Gov. Abiodun submitted that the current administration is committed to creating a conducive environment for the youth, saying premium attention will always be given to the security of all Corps Members deployed to the State.
He enjoined the Corps members to take seriously the various lectures, personal development programmes, and self-improvement schemes initiated to harness their innovative, creative, and productive potentials during the service year, submitting that Corps Members have played significant roles in the health, education, and socio-economic development sectors.
While describing them as agents of positive change, the Governor advised them to combat the painful erosion of social values caused by greed and dishonesty, which have hindered the progress of the nation, saying their contributions is invaluable to the Gateway State, and it is a responsibility they must carry with pride and diligence.
“I therefore challenge you today, as you step into your role as serving Corps Members, to uphold the ideals of this noble Scheme and remain conscientious in the discharge of your assignments so as to make a difference in your own time. You can be assured that our administration remains fully committed to providing the necessary support for the continued growth and success of the Scheme”, the Gov. said.
Earlier, the State Coordinator, National Youth Policy Service Corps, Mrs. Diana Nasamu noted that through physical training, leadership development, skills acquisition and inter-cultural exchange, the State NYSC aims to prepare the Corps members for the challenges and responsibilities of the service year and beyond, saying their presence in the State is a testament of the resilience, hardwork, patriotic, zeal and commitment to the unity of Nigeria.
She explained that the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme was designed to equip them with relevant vocational skills that will make them self-reliant and position them to become future employers of labour.
“The era of relying solely on white-collar jobs is gradually fading away. The future belongs to those who are proactive and enterprising. This is one of the major reasons vocational skills were included in the national curriculum”, she said.
Disu Ayobami,
Ministry of Sports Development
