The governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has canvassed for repositioning of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, scheme for improved and better performance.
Akeredolu made the call on Thursday when he received the eleven ex-corps members from Ondo State who won the NYSC Presidential Honours Award.
Akeredolu who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said that rather than calling for the scrapping of the scheme which he described as a unifier, efforts should be made to strengthen the operations to meet with the present day challenges.
“NYSC is a scheme that has been contributing to the physical development, moral rectitude and intellectual reservoir of the nation and as a result of these noble roles, all hands must remain on deck and efforts geared towards ensuring its continuous sustenance,” he said.
He added that the government and people of Ondo State were proud of the eleven beneficiaries of the award describing them as worthy ambassadors of the state.
“The government and good people of our dear state are proud of you as our priceless citizens and we want to salute your commitment, diligence and hard work which counted you worthy and earned you the national recognition,” he said.
The governor listed some of the things NYSC had benefitted under the present dispensation as including renovation of corps members hostels and staff quarters, construction of perimeter fence and assistance during orientation courses.
He declared that the government was poised to do more.
“We have been fulfilling our responsibility to the NYSC scheme in the state so that it can achieve the mandate on which it is established and I want to say with all emphasis that our administration will continue to support the scheme in any way possible.
“It has come to my attention, the deplorable state of the Parade Ground and I wish to let you know that efforts would be intensified to work on the facility and continue where we stopped on the renovation of infrastructures at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare-Akoko”.
Akeredolu added that his administration would partner with NYSC to boost agriculture in the state.
The reception for the award winners was witnessed by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Catherine Oludunni Odu; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Joel Olugbenga Ale; the Head of Service, Pastor John Adeyemo; Special Adviser to Governor on Youth and Students Affairs, Muyiwa Ogunyemi Eyitayo; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Engr. Wemimo Ogunsanmi and top government functionaries.
