As the authority of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) restores a full ceremonial swearing-in ceremony with the usual funfair celebrations, 1,299 male and female corps members deployed to Ogun State commenced the 2023 Batch A Stream One orientation course.
It could be recalled that full ceremonial celebrations were suspended in the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who presided over ceremonies which was held at the Sagamu Permanent Orientation camp, Gateway International Stadium, congratulated the corps members for the successful fulfillment of their educational programmes, culminating in eligibility for a call-up for National Service.
The Governor, represented by Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, especially welcomed those visiting Ogun State for the first time and wished them a pleasant experience, saying the ceremony represents symbolic events in their lives.
He said, “For the next few weeks, try and adapt yourselves to the rules and regulations of the camp and be ready to imbibe the virtues of leadership, humility and discipline, which are the targets of the orientation course.
He assured them of adequate cooperation of the scheme, the people of the state and security in all the nooks and crannies of all local government areas.
Earlier, in her welcome address, the State Coordinator, Mrs. Winifred Shokpeka congratulated the corps for accepting to serve their fatherland.
Shokpeka disclosed that at the last count, a total of 1,299 prospective corps members were registered by midnight of Thursday, adding, “This Batch of Corps Members will be remembered in the annals of NYSC history as the first batch to enjoy the first Swearing-in Ceremony with the usual fun fair celebrations since the advent of Covid- 19 outbreak in 2020.”
“The Orientation Camp gate opened on Wednesday 25th, January, 2023 and these youths were seen trouping eagerly into the Camp with their instruments for being called up for National Service, indicating their willingness to enlist and participate in the Programme. By midnight of Thursday 26h January 2023, being the cut-off date and time for registration, a total of 1,299 Prospective Corps Members registered, comprising 514 Males and 785 Females.”
Shokpeka expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for his unwavering support of the Scheme, especially his input and financial commitment to this course.
She disclosed that those with serious health challenges, pregnant mothers and nursing mothers have been allowed to stay out of camp, saying they will join their counterparts after the orientation course.
The traditional oath of allegiance was jointly administered to the corps members by the Chief Justice of the State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu represented by Justice Katherine Ogunsanya.
Thereafter, the corps members were addressed by leaders of the Hausa community in Sagamu, Alhaji Innuah Garba and his Igbo counterpart, Eze Ndigbo, Chief Gilbert Osueke as part of the orientation course opening ceremonies.
The corps members were assured of their safety within the camp and in all local government areas of the state.
