Youth manpower has been described as an invaluable tool to effectively drive the socio – economic development programmes of the nation.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who made this known at the swearing-in ceremony of Batch B, Stream II, of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), at Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu, saying his administration would leave no stone unturned in its efforts at creating a conducive environment for youths to actualise their potential, thereby enhancing the fortunes of the state.
Represented the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, Governor Abiodun pointed out that the programmes of the NYSC were designed to give the Corps members a firm and sound understanding of the aims and objectives of the Scheme, as well as equip them with skills that would enable them meet challenges of the service year.
While noting that their mobilisation for service was a clarion call, the governor said it provides a platform for interaction and cross-fertilisation of ideas, thereby facilitating national integration and development, charging them to rise to the task of nation building.
The state’s helmsman called on corporate organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and other well-meaning individuals, to join hands with government in providing an enabling environment to help the youths thrive, stressing that the task of moulding the youths to be responsible leaders of tomorrow cannot be left to government alone, but a collective responsibility.
“As you commence your training for the one-year national service, I enjoin you to exhibit the highest level of responsibility, integrity, patriotism, loyalty, dedication, discipline and commitment to the nation.
“You must make a personal decision to abandon any past anti-social conduct and disposition, so that the hope that you will move our nation to higher levels of achievement can be actualised”, he said.
Earlier, NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Olayinka Nasamu, revealed that the structured and regimented orientation exercise was designed to instill discipline and a sense of self-reliance in the Corps members, urging them to take every aspect of the course seriously, particularly the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, which aims to equip them with various skills.
Mrs. Nasamu urged them to identify with their host communities, as residents of the State were friendly and accommodating, appreciating the Dapo Abiodun-led administration for supporting the NYSC to achieve hitch – a free scheme in the state.
A total of 1, 983 graduates comprising 884 male and 1, 099 female were registered for Ogun State, just as a total of 521 graduates, consisting of 202 male and 319 female, were dislodged from Lagos State.
Ayobami Disu,
Press Officer, Sports Development
