Governor of Ogun State, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun has challenged corps members deployed to the state for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme to effectively manage their encounters during the service year to shape them profoundly, foster personal growth, resilience, and empathy.
The Governor gave the charge as he addressed Lagos and Ogun Corps Members during the Swearing-In Ceremony/Official commencement of the 2024 Batch A (Stream l) Orientation course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation camp at the Gateway International Stadium, Ikenne Road, Sagamu, Ogun State.
Governor Abiodun, who was represented by Wasiu Isiaka, the Commissioner for Sports Development, urged the 1,315 Ogun and the 1,024 corps members dislodged from Lagos State to embrace these experiences with an open heart and mind, saying “They will not only enrich your own lives but also empower you to make positive impacts in the lives of others.”
The Governor who declared the three weeks orientation course open had earlier in his address stated, “As you take your oath of service today, I urge every one of you to uphold the core values of the NYSC programme: unity, service, and humility.
“Remember that you are not just representatives of your respective states and schools but ambassadors of a united Nigeria. Let your actions speak louder than words, and let your service be a testament to the spirit of volunteerism and dedication.
“The communities you are about to serve in Ogun State, as well as those deployed to Lagos but holding their orientation camp in Ogun State, will benefit immensely from your contributions, whether in education, healthcare, infrastructure development, or community participation. Your presence will not only provide hope and aid but will also encourage goodwill and understanding among people from different walks of life,” the Governor added.
Earlier, the State Coordinator, Mrs Olayinka Nasamu intimated the Governor that the young Nigerians arrived at the camp in obedience to the national call to service and have demonstrated commitment to the orientation course programme four cardinal programmes namely the Orientation Exercise, Primary Assignment, Community Development Service (CDS), and the winding- up and passing out.
Nasamu said, “At the end of the registration exercise, a total of 1,315 were registered for Ogun State, made up of 496 males and 819 females, and a total of 1,024 dislodged from Lagos State, comprising 409 males and 615 females.
“I am happy to say that, since their arrival, they have been peaceful and orderly in their conduct, as well as adapting to the regimentation of the camp.”
She explained that the three-week-long Orientation Exercise is packaged to instil in the Corps members the disciplined mind and sense of self-reliance needed to face the challenges ahead, during and after the service year.
She urged them to take every aspect of the Orientation Course very seriously, especially the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development SAED) programme for training in different skills.
She expressed appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun for his support and attention the NYSC Scheme has always enjoyed in the State, especially prompt attention to requests and the safety of our Corps Members.
Nasamu lauded the men of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, men of the NDLEA, NSCDC and other partner organisations for their support.
The oath of allegiance was administered by the Ogun State Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu represented by Justice
Tajudeen Okunsokan.
The ceremony also featured the decoration of Camp Corps Directors and the inauguration of Camp Court members.
