The Ondo State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, Mrs. Grace Akpabio, has charged 2019 Batch ‘B’ (Stream 1) passing out corps members to strive to make Nigeria better.
She made the charge in her farewell message to the outgoing corps members on Thursday during the programme which was conducted under strict observance of COVID -19 protocol.
Akpabio who personally monitored the issuance of Certificate of National Service, CNS, to deserving members of the service corps at Akure South Local Government said that post COVID -19 era should have the patriotic Nigerians as architects of a better society.
“I wish to inform you that our resources, energy and talents should be unreservedly directed and dedicated to the ideals which enable a nation to rise up above its history and attain heights that would have normally and ordinarily been deemed unattainable.”
She said that she always believed that the youths constituted a dominant force for national growth and development and as such had very critical roles to play in the all-important task of nation building.
“Your invaluable contributions to your host communities bear eloquent testimony to your pivotal role in promoting and accelerating national development in virtually all sectors of the economy,” she said.
The NYSC boss while lauding them for the exemplary services rendered, urged them to utilise the opportunity of serving the communities to advance the progress of this great nation.
“As you go into the larger society, I hope you will not be found wanting but rather offer your services selflessly and dedicate yourself to the progress of this nation as a whole”.
She added that they had all done well during the past one year of continuous period of national service but added that “some of you that have been considered outstanding will be honoured with meritorious award while the recalcitrant ones will be sanctioned.”
At this juncture, she announced that out of 1,609 due to pass out, only one corps member merited the State Honours Award while no fewer than 100 received Commendation Certificates.
The long arm of the law caught up with five whose case she said was pure abscondment and were recommended for repeat of service pending ratification by the headquarters.
Nine others will serve extension of service for misconduct during the service year.
