By Adewale Banjo
Executive Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said invitation extended to graduate youths to participate in the national service via the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme is to bring out their nationalistic values.
Aiyedatiwa stated this while declaring open the 2024 Batch ‘A’ (Stream 1) orientation course for corps members deployed to Ondo State.
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Foluke Tunde-Daramola, the governor said corps members should see themselves as privileged citizens poised to offer the nation the best during the national assignment which posterity has thrusted upon their shoulders through the prestigious and noble scheme.
The governor said their mobilisation and subsequent deployment to Ondo State is enough for them to discard whatever misconceptions or myths they must have been fed with about the people of the South West geopolitical zone and especially the peace-loving and hospitable citizens of Ondo State.
“I am privileged by my status to inform you that Yoruba people are hardworking, industrious, accommodating, exceptionally creative and above all, God fearing. Be assured you will enjoy every bit of your stay with them,” he said.
He said Yorubas cherish respect for one another, adding that the tribe will not hesitate to go to any length to integrate them into the mainstream of their industrial and business activities provided they are humble.
“Let me add that honesty and straightforwardness are key attributes that will endear you to their hearts, however, insincerity and waywardness will keep you at arm’s length,” he said.
The governor said all hands must be on deck to work towards ensuring all facets of human lives are improved upon and developed optimally.
“As young, energetic and focused youths with fresh ideas to combat the challenges bedevilling the nation, I want you to come up with propositions that will lead us to the path of glory which Nigeria was known for in the sixties and seventies,” the governor said.
Aiyedatiwa said his government, being a responsible one, has pedigree for excellence and penchant for security as well as the general welfare of the citizens and residents.
“We shall not compromise your security during the service year. Our government will continue to improve on developmental projects and infrastructures that will encourage many who observed their mandatory service in Ondo to stay and live in the state at the end of the service year,” he said.
Earlier, NYSC state Coordinator, Victoria Ani, informed the corps members that the orientation course has been packaged to, among other things, introduce them to the objectives and programmes of the NYSC scheme and prepare them for the challenges of service year and post-service life as well as acquaint them with the new socio-cultural environment as corps members.
“Let me admonish you to participate actively in all these activities and comport yourselves as matured youths. Endeavour to cooperate with camp officials and obey all rules and regulations governing your stay in camp and do not hesitate to approach any of my officers in case you need any assistance or clarification especially with regards to the verification/registration processes,” she said.
The NYSC boss announced the management has accepted the recommendation of the National Centre for Disease Control and restored the protocol for COVID-19 as a preventive measure in all NYSC camps nationwide.
“However, it is instructive to add that the test will only be administered on willing prospective corps members as well as course officials as it is not compulsory,” she said.
The Oath of Allegiance was administered on 1,500 prospective corps members by the representative of the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Silvester Akinbinu who admonished them not to disappoint their respective families and the country at large.