Umahi tells corps members to shun social vices, as Ahmed charges them for nation building

Members of the National Youth Service Corps(NYSC), deployed to Ebonyi State yesterday cautioned to shun social vices such as corruption, ethnic bigotry, religious intolerance, violence and indiscipline in the course of their service to the nation.

Also, Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara has charged corps members to be prepared for the rigours of nation building by taking active part in the various trainings during the orientation course.

David Umahi, of Ebonyi made the call during the swearing-in ceremony of 2017 batch ‘B’ at the permanent Orientation Camp, Old Macgregor College, Afikpo charged them to be exemplary, dedicated and committed in all they do both at the Camp and throughout their Service year.

Represented by the Chairman, NYSC State Governing Board and Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon. Charles Emeka Akpuenika, the Governor further warned the Corps members to take full advantage of the Camp activities to enrich themselves by dedicating themselves to the lessons that they would learn from the activities prevalent in the Camp.

“I urge you to be prepared to follow in the footsteps of your predecessors who have done very well over the years in contributing meaningfully to the development of the State. I wish to say it here that I am proud of the lofty achievements of the NYSC in the State over the years”.

In her address, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Iluebbey Regina. E. advised the prospective Corps members to play an active role in ensuring that the nation remains indivisible and indissoluble by emphasizing the merits in the togetherness and unity of the nation.

The State Coordinator who charged the Corps members to shape up and adapt themselves adequately to the demands and expectations of the orientation camp to enrich their knowledge and expand their horizon.

“Your Excellency sir, let me use this medium to inform you that a total of 2,232 prospective corps members deployed to the State has reported and has been registered. Out of the number registered 1,071 are males while 1,161 are females.

“Some of the major challenges confronting us at the moment included broken down walls of the camp fence making the camp community vulnerable to trespass by people who have no business inside the camp”.

Ahmed made the call on Thursday while declaring open the 2017 Batch ‘B’ (Stream 1) orientation course at the NYSC permanent Orientation Camp, Yikpata, in Edu local government of the state.

The Governor was represented at the occasion by the Head of Service (HoS), Mrs Susan Oluwole.

“As you commence your one-year national service formally today, you will be fulfilling in a special way, the hopes and aspirations of our great country, which put premium on moral and physical development of youths for a better and greater tomorrow.

“The onus now rest on you tom be physically, psychologically and socially ready to face the rigours of nation buildings as full fledge adult Nigerians, who are well imbued with attributes of good citizenship, patriotism and discipline,” Ahmed said.

The governor reminded the Corps members that they will be exposed to various trainings during the 3-week orientation exercise to prepare them for future challenges as leaders of tomorrow.

“You are to adopt a serious and conscientious approach to the various activities of the orientation course in order to be able to face the numerous challenges of the assignments that lie ahead.

“You must not in any way, allow frivolities to affect the needed commitment in achieving the expected qualities of future leaders, which the NYSC scheme is designed to prepare you for,” the Governor added.

He appealed to the Corps members to justify the confidence reposed in them as leaders of the country by making patriotism, discipline, good conduct, honesty and hard-work their watchwords.

“You should always present yourselves as worthy ambassadors of your various families and indeed the NYSC scheme, by exhibiting the sterling qualities of ‘Service and Humility as enshrined as the motto of the NYSC,” Ahmed said.

Earlier in his welcome address, NYSC Coordinator, Mr Remigius Amaefule said 1, 922 Corps member were registered at the close of the registration exercise by 12 midnight on Wednesday.

Amaefule informed the Corps members that their freedom would be curtailed during the orientation course as there will be strict observance of regimentation of their activities.

He said that during the orientation, Corps member would undergo training in physical fitness, mental alertness, lectures, social and sporting events to equip them for challenges ahead of the service year.

Amaefule commended the State Government for its support and assistance to the NYSC scheme.

He therefore appealed the Gov Ahmed to assist in the general renovation of the camp, fencing of the camp, financial assistance towards augmenting costs of running the camp like meal subsidy and logistics.

The 1, 922 Corps members took the oath of allegiance, which was administered by the state Chief Judge, represented by the Chief Registrar, Chief Magistrate M.O. Adegbite.

Chairman of NYSC Governing Board in the State, Mr Bolakale Ayo said the board will continue to support the scheme in achieving its lofty aims and objectives.

He assured the Corps members that the Board will leave no stone unturned in making their stay in Kwara comfortable and memorable.

Ayo therefore appealed to the Corps members to give their maximum cooperation towards the success of the orientation exercise.