May 16, (THEWILL) – The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has lauded the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on its 50th-anniversary celebration, saying the years of contribution to grassroots development are commendable.
Diri, who gave the commendation in a speech on Tuesday, at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Batch “A” Stream II Orientation Course held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Boro Town, commended the founder and managers of the scheme for mobilising and deploying graduates to render selfless services across the nation in the last 50 years.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government/Chairman, NYSC State Governing Board, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei, the Governor equally praised the 2023 Batch “A” Stream II corps members for being called up at a time the scheme is celebrating its golden jubilee, noting that the story of the scheme will not be complete without the mention of corps members contributions in their host communities.
While commending the camp management for a successful orientation exercise, the Governor urged the corps members to serve the nation faithfully and diligently.
Reiterating that the Government will continue to prioritise the security and welfare of corps members deployed to the state, Diri said, “As a government, we are committed to your welfare and security. This is clear by the quality of the permanent orientation facility we have provided and the constant state allowance, transport back home after service year allowance and our reward system for corps members, who distinguished themselves during the service year in their Community Development Service.”
Governor Diri, however, warned against truancy at their places of primary assignment and directed Heads of Local Government Areas to assist the corps members to settle down to their duties.
In her remarks, the State Coordinator, Mrs Okpalifo Obiageli Charity, disclosed that the corps members were exposed to various training in the course of the three weeks exercise.
She urged them to be role models and exhibit the virtues of good citizenship, unity, cultural integration and religious tolerance.
Mrs Okpalifo commended the corps members for being deployed to serve at a time the NYSC is celebrating its 50 years of contributions to national unity and development.
“You are indeed a lucky set to serve at a time the NYSC is celebrating fifty years of mobilising and deploying Nigeria graduate youths to serve the nation. Several activities have been lined up to mark NYSC @50.
“The Service Corps has done well in all sectors of the economy and national development. You have made history as the Golden Jubilee corps members,” she stated.
The State Coordinator further urged the corps members to respect the tradition of their host communities as well as initiate projects that will add value to the people.
Mrs Okpalifo made it clear that corps members are not above the law and advised them to shun social vices such as drug abuse, cultism and cybercrime.
“As patriots on national assignment, live an exemplary lifestyle that will show you are truly qualified in character and learning,” she stressed.
