Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Tuesday, urged corps members to focus on skills acquired during orientation courses and apply them for the improvement of society during service year and beyond.
Makinde stated this during the closing of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream I Orientation Course for corps members deployed to the state, at the NYSC camp in Iseyin.
The governor, who was represented by the Director of Youths Development, Ministry of Youths and Sports, Mrs Kudirat Mustafa, urged the corps members to make adequate use of the lessons and the skills acquired during the camp programmme.
He urged the corps members to pay special attention to the development of their host communities by identifying and undertaking viable projects that would positively impact on the lives of the people.
“I have no doubt in my mind that the various training you have passed through would be of great value to you in your life’s journey.
“May I equally remind you that as patriots in service, we must all join hands to build a stronger, more united, peaceful and democratic nation.
“Therefore it is imperative that you do not isolate yourself from the overall objectives of the founding fathers of the NYSC Scheme.
“Let the motto of NYSC which is “Service and humility” be your guiding principle, “he said.
The governor assured the corps members that the government would not relent in its efforts at addressing their welfare needs and ensuring their safety.
Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr Abel Odoba, implored the corps members to add value to the certificate acquired by embarking on acquiring skills for self-development.
Odoba warned corps members against unauthorised journeys saying such could spell disaster.
“You are advised to respect the traditions and culture of your host communities and make frantic efforts to mix freely and integrate with the people.
“I would like to appeal to the Local Government Authorities(LGAs) and all community stakeholders to seize the opportunity provided by the Scheme through the Community Development Programme.
“By sponsoring projects identified by corps members, the host communities can derive maximum benefits from what they have to offer, “he said.
