The Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has charged corps members to appreciate the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, scheme for making them better and well exposed youths.
According to him, with the scheme, they had understood the intricacies and challenges the country was facing.
Akeredolu made the remark during the passing out ceremony for the 2019 Batch ‘A’ corps members deployed to Ondo State.
At the colourful parade held at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, on Thursday, Akeredolu said the event was unique in several ways “because the NYSC is embarking on ceremonial Passing out Parade after a temporary halt which started some years back as a result of security challenges that has threatened our corporate existence as a nation.”
The governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Dotun Owanikin, admonished the outgoing corps members to leverage on the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme they benefitted from during the service year.
“The white collar jobs are dwindling and the focus is now on youth empowerment through skills acquisition which will definitely make you independent and future entrepreneurs and captains of industries,” he said.
Akeredolu acknowledged and appreciated the selfless service of members of the service corps geared towards complementing his administration’s efforts in the task of building a virile society.
“Going through the reports coming to my office, I equally want to thank you for executing impactful projects in all the communities across the state. I want to add that on behalf of the benefitting communities, those projects shall be maintained and adequately taken care of. The legacy you are leaving behind will continue to remain fresh in our memory for a very long time to come,” he said.
In her farewell message, the State Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Akpabio, appreciated the corps members that she described as patriotic Nigerians “for giving your very best and rendering quality service to the citizens and residents of the Sunshine State.”
“Your selfless service is the reason why we are celebrating you today and I am confident that all lessons learnt in the service will come handy to propel you to greater heights,” she said.
Akpabio reminded them that although life would put many red lights in front of them, they should press harder and see those red lights not as stumbling blocks but stepping stones to greater heights.
Akpabio advised that “being rude or arrogant will take you nowhere but good manners can open doors which education or qualifications cannot open.”
The NYSC boss announced that 1777 corps members were qualified to collect their Certificate of National Service out of which three corps members who distinguished themselves extraordinarily had been rewarded with the State Honours Award and two others with Chairman NYSC Governing Board Commendation Certificates.
In the same vein, five recalcitrant corps members had their service extended for various misdemeanours committed while 11 others would repeat the service year subject to the ratification of the Directorate Headquarters, Abuja.
Akpabio thanked the guests, especially the governor, “for putting aside other pressing assignments just to honour these illustrious and patriotic Nigerians.”
