Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged the 2019 Batch C, Stream 2 corps members to equip themselves with the right values to ensure brighter future.
Makinde made the call on Monday at the swearing-in of the corps members deployed to the state, at the NYSC camp, Iseyin.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor was represented at the occasion by Mr Seun Fakorede, the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, who also doubles as the Chairman, Oyo State NYSC Governing Board.
Makinde implored the corps members to see their national service as a sacrifice for the peace and unity of Nigeria.
He said that the scheme transcended political, social and ethnic rivalry, adding that it rather formed the basis for fostering unity among Nigerians.
The governor said that the scheme was targeted at the youth in order to instill in them the right frame of mind and prepare them physically, mentally and psychologically for their future roles in nation-building.
He assured that his administration would continue to assist NYSC in the state by providing a conducive environment for its operations.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the state NYSC Governing Board, whose speech was read by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Funmilayo Oyadeyi, implored the corps members to allow discipline, service, and humility be their guiding principle.
He assured that adequate preparations had been put in place to ensure a hitch-free orientation.
“Even though we can’t offer you the luxury you were enjoying in your homes, I believe that the little we have provided would be able to guarantee you minimum comfort.
“I urge you to make friends and share ideas with one another; that’s the whole essence of bringing you together,” he said.
Earlier, the Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Eniola Ambekemo, said as, at midnight of Nov. 29, it had registered 1,188 prospective corps members, comprising 487 males and 701 females.
According to her, the figure cuts across all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
She added that the NYSC management had adequately prepared for the corps members to ensure they had a memorable experience.
Ambekemo appealed to the state government to provide an ultra-modern auditorium that could accommodate the corps members and enhance the smooth running of the camp.
She, however, expressed appreciation to the governor, traditional rulers and other stakeholders for their support towards the scheme.
