Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on Corps members to rise to the challenges of national development and contribute to the reconstruction and rebirth of Nigeria.

The Governor made this appeal while addressing the 2024 Batch ‘C’ (Stream II) Corps members deployed to Ondo State and those dislodged from Lagos State during their orientation at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare-Akoko.

Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mrs. Tolu Adeyemi, the Governor emphasised the critical role of corps members in securing the future of Nigeria.

He urged them to avoid negative tendencies and dedicate themselves to making meaningful contributions to the nation.

He assured the corps members of adequate welfare and security throughout their service year and reiterated the government’s unwavering support for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.

In her welcome address, the NYSC Ondo State coordinator, Mrs Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, congratulated the corps members on completing their academic programmes, which qualified them for mobilisation.

She noted that the orientation course was designed to familiarise them with the NYSC’s objectives and programmes, prepare them for the challenges of the service year and life after, and integrate them into their new socio-cultural environment.

Bakare highlighted that the three-week orientation programme would include a variety of activities, such as lectures on Yoruba culture and tradition, leadership sessions, entrepreneurial training, parade drills, Man ‘O’ War exercises, inter-platoon skills acquisition competitions, and other extracurricular activities aimed at enriching their experience.

She appealed to local governments, corporate organisations, philanthropists, and stakeholders to invest in upgrading the infrastructure at the Permanent Orientation Camp, citing inadequate hostel accommodation as a major challenge affecting effective service delivery.

At the swearing-in ceremony, it was revealed that 1,226 corps members, comprising 544 males and 682 females, had registered for service in Ondo State, alongside 346 dislodged corps members from Lagos State (146 males and 200 females).

The Oath of Allegiance was administered by the Chief Judge of Ondo State, represented by Hon. Justice Bankole Akinwunmi, who charged the corps members to uphold the ideals of the NYSC and maintain a healthy work ethic throughout their service year.

Justice Akinwunmi further encouraged them to serve faithfully and honestly wherever they are posted, keeping in mind the NYSC motto and values.