Orientation, the first cardinal programme of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, is to equip corps members to have better understanding of the operations of the scheme, the governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has said.
Akeredolu made the assertion during the Closing Ceremony/Terminal Parade for the corps members deployed to the state.
He added that the three weeks orientation programme “is also to toughen and prepare you, physically mentally to meet the challenges ahead, especially in your new found culture and environment.”
According to him, NYSC in its struggle to ensure national development and cohesion had instilled the value of patriotism, integrity, hard work and unity among the corps members during the orientation exercise.
The governor reminded the members of the service corps that the three weeks orientation course they actively participated in was a level playing ground for them to contribute meaningfully to the overall development of the country as they went to their various places of primary assignment.
“I implore you to contribute to the socio-economic and political development of Ondo, the Sunshine State. Strive to put in your best and contribute productively in whatever sector of the economy you might be posted. No effort is too small or much for the development of Ondo State.
“I charge you to cultivate a healthy relationship with your host communities. There is need for you to integrate and appreciate the culture and traditions of the people, while at the same time encouraging you to live peacefully with them and refrain from engaging in local politics.”
The governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Dotun Owanikin, heartily commended the efforts of the NYSC management towards ensuring that the corps members were properly groomed during the orientation course.
The State Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Akpabio, announced that 428 corps members relocated to other states of the federation out of the 1600 registered at the commencement of the programme three weeks ago.
The event for the first time in several years was graced by the three Local Government Chairmen from Akoko Northeast, Akoko Northwest; Akoko Southwest and other distinguished guests including Oba Samuel Kolapo Adegbite Adedoyin, the Owa-Ale of Ikareland.
