From Debra Ajulo, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has charged corps members in the state not to, in any way, allow frivolities to affect the needed commitment in achieving the expected qualities of future leaders into which the NYSC programme is designed to mould them.
The State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq gave the charge yesterday at the opening and swearing in ceremony of the NYSC 2019 Batch C stream 1 Orientation Course at Yikpata in Edu Local government area of the State.
Governor AbdulRazaq represented by his Deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi urged the corps members to justify the confidence reposed in them as future leaders by making discipline, good conduct, honesty and hard work their watchwords.
The Governor implored them to always present themselves as worthy ambassadors of their various families and indeed the NYSC scheme by exhibiting the qualities of “service and humility”, which is the motto of the scheme. “I wish to also register my deep and sincere gratitude to the Federal Government and the Management of the National Youth Service Corps Scheme for the sustenance and the continuity of this noble youth-oriented programme in its over 46 years of existence” he added.
AbdulRazaq stated that the NYSC orientation course is carefully designed to instil discipline in the members that are coming on board for national service and a platform to physically, psychologically and socially prepare them for the rigorous task of nation building.
The Governor therefore, charged them to adopt a serious approach to all activities lined up for the orientation programme.
“We are headed to a time when the 9-5 job cycle will either go out of fashion or would not be able to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
“So, I appeal to you to buckle down as you get set to face the world outside of the four walls of your schools” AbdulRazaq admonished.
He commiserated with the NYSC family nationwide and the parents and relations of two prospective corps members who died in an auto accident on their way to their camp.
Governor AbdulRazaq noted that “it was one tragedy too many for our state. We pray the Almighty God to repose the soul of these bright stars and comfort their families. I also wish their mates – six of them – safe and speedy recovery from the injuries they sustained in the accident”.
The Governor explained further that apart from facilitating the movement and handing over of the remains of the deceased corp members to their family members, I have also since directed the Secretary to the State Government to visit the injured at Mokwa and relocate them to Ilorin for further medical care. My condolences also go to the family of the driver who also died in the crash”.
The Acting Chairman of the State NYSC Governing Board and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Shuaib Akanbi appreciated the prompt response of the corps members to the clarion call to serve their Fatherland urging them to serve as agents of change and catalysts of socio-economic development of the Nation.
He assured that the State government would continue to support the NYSC scheme in achieving all its lofty aims and objectives.
In her address of welcome, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Esther Ikupolati said 2000 corps members comprising of 920 males and 1080 females have been registered for the Orientation Course.
Mrs Ikupolati on behalf of the Director General of the NYSC appreciated Governor AbdulRazaq for appointing a Youth Corp member into his cabinet.
The State Coordinator disclosed that the State government had renovated and expanded its male hostels adding that two of such hostels are now in use by the current batch of Corps Members.
She said with the innovative, capital intensive projects, the Camp now have a five star hostel accommodation in Kwara state.
Mrs Ikupolati appealed for the perimeter fencing of the Camp and the payment of monthly state allowance to Corps Members.
The representative of the State Chief Judge, Justice Moses Adegbite had earlier sworn in the new Corps Members.
The Deputy Governor, Mr Kayode Alabi later inspected the newly renovated hotels and expressed satisfaction with the work done.
Mr Alabi called on the management of the NYSC to ensure proper maintenance of the projects.
