The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has urged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Corps members to always seek to add value and learn relevant skills for self actualisation.
Makinde stated this during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch B, stream 2 Corps members deployed to the state at the permanent orientation camp, Ogbakuta, Iseyin on Friday.
Represented by Mrs Olubukola Oladipo, Permanent Secretary, Oyo state ministry of youths and sports, Makinde admonished the Corps members to be more self-reliant and learn relevant skills during their service year.
The governor said, "The orientation programme which is the entry point for the service year is packaged with programmes that will test your endurance, physical capacity, discipline and prepare you for the enormous task ahead.
"It will equally provide you with opportunities to add value to yourself by learning some skills for self actualization. Thereby stemming the rising tide of graduates' unemployment.
"As vibrant youths with potentials, I therefore charge you to avail yourselves of the opportunities provided during this orientation exercise. You are the future and hope of this nation, I admonish you to equip yourselves with the right values to ensure a greater future."
He highlighted the efforts of the scheme in fostering unity among Nigerians, saying, "The National Youth Service Corps has over the years brought a selection of youths into the same fold as to create a favorable climate for new sense of nation hood among all Nigerians.
"Thus, the scheme has transcended political, social and ethnic loyalties and form a basis for fostering unity among Nigerians. It is also significant that NYSC targeted the youths in order to instill in them the right frame of mind and prepare them physically, mentally, and psychologically for the particular role they have to play in nation building."
He, therefore, restated his commitment to assist the scheme to provide a conducive environment for its operations.
"This administration is youth friendly and this has continually been demonstrated with the appointment of young vibrant personality as the Hon. Commissioner for youth and sports who also serves as the Chairman NYSC State Governing board.
"I make bold to say that she has been working tirelessly to assist and solve challenges that some of our young graduates have encountered in the course of their service to the nation.
"We have equally set up some development programmes where the youths in their different fields can utilize their knowledge and skills which will be beneficial to the Government. Being part of the development programs will automatically add value to the certificate you have acquired."
Furthermore, he admonished the Corps members to see their service year as a call to sacrifice, dedication, perseverance, and humility and urged them to seize the opportunity to make new friends, discover other people's strength and tap from their experience.
Earlier in his address, the Oyo state NYSC cordinator, Mr Odoba Abel appreciated the efforts of the Oyo state governement in ensuring the smooth running of the scheme in the state.
He said, "The governor has never hidden his affection for the NYSC as demonstrated by his numerous supports to the Scheme. We cannot thank you enough for your unwavering support."
Odoba urged the Corps members to embrace the essences of the scheme for their personal growth and development.
"You stand the chance of leveraging on this rare opportunity to deepen your understanding and refine your skills as many of your peers do not have the opportunity you have.
"I urge you to seize this unique opportunity of National service to learn about the people's culture and ways of life. You are to also during this service year contribute your quota to the unity, integration and advancement of Oyo State in particular and Nigeria in general," Odoba told the Corps members.
Oath of allegiance was administered to the Corps members by Justice Muftau Adegboola, representing the State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima.
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