Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Tuesday charged Corps members deployed to the state to earnestly brace up to the realities of economic challenges confronting the nation.
Makinde made the call during the opening ceremony of the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream I Orientation Course for Corps members deployed to the state.
The governor, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, urged the Corps members to remain resolute in building a nation that works for all.
He urged them to take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme which has been specifically developed to mitigate the high rate of unemployment in the country.
“Through SAED, you will at no cost be opportuned to delete your name from the list of graduates traversing the nooks and crannies of the nation seeking employment after their service year,” the governor said.
He however reminded them that no country of the world is free of trials.
“The current economic and few other challenges confronting our nation at the moment is a test of our patriotism and loyalty.
“It’s our responsibility to play our parts, re-direct our thinking positively, coordinate our mindset progressively to rescue our country and position it appropriately to its giant status among other nations.
“Remain resolute on building a nation that works for all. I want to charge you at this critical stage of your life to wake up to the realities of life as your destinies are now in your hands.
“Endeavour to positively utilise your service year to make right choices for your future in this present economic reality,” Gov. Makinde said.
The governor reiterated the commitment of the state government to ensuring the provision of adequate welfare and security for the Corps members.
Also, the Oyo State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Abel Odoba, charged the Corps members to utilise their national service year to contribute their quota to the unity and development of Nigeria.
“I urge you to seize this unique opportunity of national service to learn about the hosts’ culture and ways of life.
“These are the things that promote unity and integration, which is the whole essence of the NYSC scheme.
“In the past 50 years, the NYSC has been very impactful. From its inception, life-long friendship and bonds have been established and national awareness has increased.
“You are also expected to contribute your quota to the unity and development of this nation,” he said.
The opening ceremony featured the administration of oath of allegiance on the 1,864 Corps members by the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima.
The batch comprises 915 male and 949 female.
