From Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor Dr Agbu Kefas has promised to prioritise the security and welfare of Corps Members posted to serve in the state to make their service year experience memorable and comfortable.
The governor gave the assurance during the inauguration of the Batch C Stream 2 orientation program for Corps Members posted to the state at the Orientation camp in Sibre.
Governor Kefas who was represented by the state commissioner for youth and Sports development Joshua Joseph said that his administration is taking education very serious and the role of Corps Members in making the free education program a success can never be overemphasised.
“Let me first of all congratulate all of you for going through school and getting mobilised for this orientation program. It is indeed the dream of any serious young person to wear this regalia you are putting on now to and to go through this once in a lifetime experience. The idea is for you to explore new horizons, meet new people, go to new places and above all, serve your fatherland while preparing yourself for the life after school.
“Here in Taraba, my administration has declared free and compulsory primary and secondary school education. This is because we take the education of our children very seriously and must do whatever it takes to get them off the streets and into the classrooms.
“It is not enough to mobilise the children back to school if necessary measures are not put in place to ensure that they get quality education. That is why the state government is going the extra mile to ensure that we improve the physical infrastructure in our schools and as well boost the manpower to confirm with the influx of new population.
“It is therefore our understanding that Corps Members have a vital role to play towards the actualisation of this goal. Consequently, we have put in place measure to ensure that your welfare is greatly augmented by the state government. We would equally prioritise your security at all times. Security is a major challenge but we are working relentlessly to ensure the safety of lives and property of the citizens, wherever they may be.
“I therefore welcome you all to Taraba State, Nature’s gift to the nation. I urge you to take this orientation program seriously and conduct yourselves with decorum, respecting our cultural and social diversification and orientation” Kefas said.
Taraba State Coordinator of the Scheme Mr Anthony Nzoka in his remarks commended the state government for the continued support towards the success of the Scheme in the state and assured that the state will enjoy unalloyed support of the Scheme at all times.
Nzoka urged the Corps Members to take the orientation program seriously especially the SAED program where they are expected to learn practical skills that will help them even beyond the service year.
“Your service year comes and goes in a flash. Before you know what is happening, you are already preparing for passing out. It is therefore very important for you to be very deliberate with everything from the onset. Whatever you wish to achieve, start it now.
“In the days ahead, you will merged in various groups to learn various skills. Please, do not take this for granted. It is a very important component of this service year and can make all the difference. The knowledge you will acquire here could become a life changer for you. White collar jobs are becoming increasingly scarce and you must begin to think out of the box. This starts with paying close attention to everything that goes on here in the course of these Three weeks,” Nzoka said.