The governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared that the invitation extended to graduate youths to participate in the national service via the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, scheme is to bring out their nationalistic values.
Aiyedatiwa made the declaration while declaring open the 2024 Batch ‘A’ (Stream 1) orientation course for corps members mobilised and deployed to Ondo State.
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mrs. Foluke Tunde-Daramola, the governor said that corps members should see themselves as privileged citizens poised to offer the nation the best during the national assignment.
The governor said that their mobilisation and subsequent deployment to Ondo State was enough for them to discard whatever misconceptions or myths they must have been fed with about the people of the Southwest geopolitical zone and especially the peace-loving and highly hospitable citizens of Ondo State.
“I am privileged by my status to inform you that Yoruba people are hardworking, industrious, accommodating, exceptionally creative and above all, God-fearing. Be assured that you will maximally enjoy every bit of your stay with them,” he said.
He told them that Yorubas cherish respect for one another and hinted that the tribe would not hesitate to go to any length to integrate them into the mainstream of their industrial and business activities provided they were humble.
“Let me add that honesty and straightforwardness are key attributes that will endear you to their hearts, however, insincerity and waywardness will keep you at arm’s length,” he said.
The governor opined that all hands must be on deck to work towards ensuring that all facets of human lives were improved upon and developed optimally.
“As young, energetic and focused youths with fresh ideas to combat the challenges bedevilling the nation, I want you to come up with propositions that will lead us to the path of glory which Nigeria was known for in the sixties and seventies,” the governor advised.
Aiyedatiwa asserted that his government, being a responsible one, had pedigree for excellence and penchant for security as well as the general welfare of the citizens and residents.
“We shall not compromise your security during the service year. Our government will continue to improve on developmental projects and infrastructures that will encourage many who observe their mandatory service in Ondo to stay and live in the state at the end of the service year,” the governor assured.
Earlier in her introductory speech, the State Coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani, informed the prospective corps members that the orientation course had been packaged to, among other things, introduce them to the objectives and programmes of the NYSC scheme and prepare them for the challenges of service year and post-service life as well as acquaint them with the new socio-cultural environment as corps members.
“Let me admonish you to participate actively in all these activities and comport yourselves as mature youths. Endeavour to cooperative with camp officials and obey all rules and regulations governing your stay in camp and do not hesitate to approach any of my officers in case you need any assistance or clarification especially with regards to the verification/registration processes.”
The NYSC Ondo State boss announced that NYSC management had accepted the recommendation of the National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, and had restored the protocol for COVID-19 as preventive measure in all NYSC camps nationwide.
“However, it is instructive to add that the test will only be administered on willing prospective corps members as well as course officials as it is not compulsory,” she clarified.
The Oath of Allegiance was administered on 1500 prospective corps members by the representative of the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Silvester Femi Akinbinu who admonished them not to disappoint their respective families and the country at large.
