492 Corps members take oath as Gov Idris vows

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi

Kebbi Governor, Nasir Idris, has promised to improve the welfare and security of Corps members deployed to the state for their one year mandatory service to the nation.

Idris stated this during the swearing-in ceremony of Batch B stream 1 of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the temporary orientation camp, Bausaura, Jega Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Sports and Youths Development, Nurudeen Bala-Fingilla, urged the Corps members serving in the state to ensure they leave behind good legacies that their host communities would remember them for.

He said: “For over five decades, NYSC has continued to bridge ethnic, religious and regional divides by bringing together young Nigerians from different parts of the country to live, work and serve, alongside one another.

“Through this noble initiative, millions of graduates have contributed to the development of communities across the nation, while gaining valuable experiences that shape their character and outlook in life.

“Kebbi State remains one of the beneficiaries of the numerous contributions of Corps members. Over the years, Corps members have played significant roles in education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, community development services, environmental sanitation and various humanitarian interventions.

“Their contributions have complemented the government’s efforts and positively impacted countless lives across our state,” he stated.

Idris, who charged the Corps members to be active in all camp activities,said the orientation course was meant to instil in them discipline, teamwork, leadership, endurance and a spirit of selfless service.

“Beyond the drills and lectures, it offers a rare opportunity to build friendships that transcend ethnic and geographical boundaries.”

He donated two cows to the Corps members and charged them to take the skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development (SAED) programme seriously.

“The reality of today’s world demands that young graduates possess not only academic qualifications but also practical and entrepreneurial skills capable of creating wealth and generating employment.

“The government alone cannot provide all the jobs required by our growing population. Therefore, I encourage you to embrace entrepreneurship, innovation and self-reliance as pathways to personal and national prosperity,” he said.

Earlier, the State Coordinator of the NYSC, Bala Dabo Kagarko disclosed that 492 Corps members had duly registered, comprising 307 males and 185 females.

“It is gratifying to note that since the commencement of this orientation course, the Corps members have demonstrated commendable enthusiasm in training, adapted well to the camp environment and actively participated in all scheduled activities,” he said.

He commended the state government for always being there for the NYSC, especially Corps members in the areas of their needs.

He urged the Corps members to strictly adhere to the camp rules and regulations and continue to be law-abiding citizens.