By Stephen Adeleye.
Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has advised National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to the state to be disciplined and law-abiding.
The governor gave the advice at the NYSC orientation camp, Asaya, Kabba, at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2,000 corps members deployed to the state for the 2019 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1.
Bello, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Sani Ogu-Salisu, urged the corps members to obey and respect the law for a memorable and fascinating camp experience.
“You are the hope of our next generations in your various areas of discipline, especially now that the nation is under intense pressure to meet the expectations of her Commonwealth member States among committee of nations.
“Hence, you must be law abiding, cooperative, ready to make new friends and most importantly acclimatise to your new environment.
“So, let there be no regret whatsoever serving the country in Kogi State for all you need to harness our rich opportunities is intellectual ideas and self discipline,” he said.
Bello said that the orientation course was designed to inspire corps members into national consciousness as dependable growing leaders of our dear nation.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the existing cordial relationship with NYSC to ensure a worthwhile experience and quality welfare for corps members.
The governor eulogised the late coordinator, Mrs Oludolapo Ahile, who died on May 17 in an auto crash, and observed one minute silence in her memory.
He described the late Ahile as the typical model of a patriotic citizen, the phenomenal expression of an egalitarian leader, a bosom public officer and the true definition of first generation Nigerian.
The governor pledged to hasten the completion of the ongoing Camp renovations as a mark of honour for the late coordinator.
He also promise to donate cows and bags of rice that would last the corps members for the three weeks that they will stay at the orientation camp.
Bello urged the corps members to give their best in the November 16 governorship election in the state to ensure its credibility.
The new State Coordinator, Mr Olayiwola Lasaki, said the NYSC orientation course would equip the corps members with practical, social and leadership skills required for the challenges of the service year.
Lasaki added that it would also inculcate discipline in corps members and make them imbibe good work ethics in preparation for their primary assignment.
The new coordinator stressed that the NYSC would “strictly follow its posting policy which focuses on rural development”.
He urged all employers who had interest in having corps members to forward their requests without delay in order to make adequate preparation for their safety and wellbeing.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Oath of Allegiance was administered by Justice Samuel Obayomi, on behalf of the Kogi Chief Judge, Justice Nasiru Ajanah.
(NAN)
