Polycarp Sola-Abakaliki
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has charged Corp members deployed to Ebonyi State to prioritize the development of National Unity and integration, irrespective of their cultural backgrounds.
Nwifuru gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2023 Batch B stream 1 which was held at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp, Old Macgregor College in Afikpo local government area of the State.
Our correspondent reports that a total of one thousand four hundred and fifteen
(1,415) corp members, made of 713 males and 702 females were inducted into the scheme for a one-year National service by the State Chief judge, Hon. Justice Elvis Ngene, who was represented by Hon. Justice Nicholas Nwode.
“The National Youth Service Corps scheme has attained remarkable milestones in its mandate of National Unity, Integration, and National Development; since its inception over 50 years ago.
“Therefore, it is right to say that NYSC remains a true symbol of unity, bringing together young Nigerians from various Institutions, cultures, and backgrounds and integrating them for service to the fatherland.
“Gentlemen Corps Members, National Unity, and Integration remain the topmost priority of the scheme we must coexist to achieve this common goal irrespective of our cultural backgrounds“. Nwifuru said.
The Governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for youth and sports development, Mr Richard Idike equally assured that his administration would continue to ensure that Corp members deployed to the state are safe and well taken care of.
While commending their positive cooperation within the orientation camp, the State Coordinator, Mrs. Olayinka Diana Narsamu emphasized the essence of establishing the scheme by the Federal Government and urged them to abide by it.
“The NYSC scheme was established by decree (now act) NO 24 of 22nd May 1973, in furtherance of the federal Government post-war policy of realizing the much needed National unity and integration among all the tribes of Nigeria.
“To achieve this, the service has been carefully planned and segmented into four cardinal programs namely Orientation, primary assignment, Community Development (CDS), and the winding- up and course very serious, Skill Acquisition and sustenance and to become employers of labor in future”. she said.
The coordinator advises them to avail themselves and participate in all Camp activities, particularly the Skills Acquisition Entrepreneurship for Development (SAED) program for wealth creation.
She encouraged them to identify with the felt needs of their host communities and solve them, to be eligible for rewards of the best corps members who impact positively on their host communities.
“you are encouraged to look inwards and give back to the society in other to qualify for Presidential Honours Award or State Government Honours Award and most importantly be rewarded by God Almighty”. she added.
The chairman of the NYSC governing board, Mr Richard Idike had earlier Congratulated the Corp members for completing their studies and assured them of a safe, sound, and hospitable service year in Ebonyi State.