The Ondo State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Akpabio has reiterated the need for corps members to embark on projects that have direct impact and improve the quality of lives of people in their host communities after orientation course.
Speaking on one of the four cardinal programmes of NYSC , Community Development Service, CDS, the coordinator said that the programme sought to galvanise the great potentials of the youths, enhance the standard of living of people of host communities and develop common interests towards national development.
Giving a background information about the CDS, Akpabio said about forty years ago, it was previously known as Traditional Community Development Service.
She advised corps members to belong to at least one CDS group and converge once weekly for their activities.
The NYSC helmsman in Ondo State sensitised corps members on the different beneficial projects they could carry out during the service year to include construction, mass literacy and extra mural lectures, empowerment programmes, beautification, assisting indigents and the needy among others.
The state coordinator however warned corps members never to request for financial assistance or sponsorship from private individuals, corporate bodies and government agencies without written permission from her office.
She encouraged them to seek sponsorship and help from host communities, well meaning Nigerians, private sectors, explaining that funds could be approved with valid proposal addressed to the coordinator through the resident local government inspector.
The NYSC boss, while admonishing them to render regular and periodic statement of account, explained that projects being executed by them would reduce dependency on government, harness their talents and skills, develop the spirit of entrepreneurship as well as provide solutions to various environmental problems confronting the host communities.
She urged them to be dedicated and committed to the ideals of the NYSC, hinting that they should ensure that the projects embarked on should be completed six clear weeks before the passing out.
That, she said, was to ensure that the project was commissioned and handed over to the beneficiary community.
The coordinator who also embarked on many beneficial projects at the camp which included ninety per cent completed SAED centre, camp clinic, which is ready for roofing and the OBS Studio extension which has reached lintel level announced that outstanding corps members would be rewarded with State Honours Award, Chairman’s Letter of Commendation and State Coordinator’s Letter of Commendation.
“Corps members who perform brilliantly well would be rewarded at the state level while outstanding ones among you will be presented to our Directorate Headquarters for recommendations for nomination for Presidential Honours Award.”
