Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, has advised youths mobilized for national service in Ondo State to discard the stereotyping of people from the Southwest geopolitical zone and other ethnics.
Akeredolu made this call while declaring open the 2023 Batch ‘B’ (Stream 1) orientation course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko.
The governor maintained that the people of the Southwest geopolitical zone respect individuals with honesty and integrity.
“I want you to discard whatever myth or misconception you may have been fed about the people of the Southwest or Ondo State in particular. I am privileged by my status to inform you that Yoruba people are peace-loving, industrious, accommodating, and above all, God-fearing. You will enjoy every bit of your stay with them.
“I also want to let you know that our people cherish and respect people who have honesty as an attitude. The moment you deviate from this virtue, it would be difficult to enjoy their support any longer”.
The Governor, who was represented by the Chairman, of Ondo State NYSC Governing Board, Mr Bamidele Ologun assured the corps members of adequate security all through the period of their stay in the state.
“Our Government will continue to improve on developmental projects and infrastructures that will encourage those who observe their mandatory service year in Ondo State to stay and live in the state at the end of the service year”.
He noted that their mobilization at the period of celebration of the Golden Jubilee anniversary of the establishment of the NYSC Scheme and the recent inauguration of the new political dispensation is divinely arranged and charged them to deliver on the set objectives designed by the founding fathers of the Scheme.
In her address, the State Coordinator of the corps, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani thanked God for His protection over all the prospective corps members and for granting them journey mercies from all the parts of the country as well as several others who traveled down from around the world to serve their fatherland.
The State Coordinator informed the corps participants that the orientation course has been packaged to introduce them to the objectives and programs of the NYSC Scheme as well as prepare them for the challenges of the service year.
She further disclosed that while they are in camp, they would be introduced to a series of extra-curricular camp activities that are exciting, rewarding, and memorable.
These according to her include but are not limited to various lectures on topical issues, entrepreneurial training, parade drills, social and cultural activities, and sports.
“Let me admonish you to participate actively in all camp activities and comport yourselves as mature youths. Endeavor to cooperate with camp officials and obey all rules and regulations governing your stay in camp, and do not hesitate to approach any of my officers in case you need any assistance or clarification, especially with regards to the verification/registration” she said.
The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola administered the Oath of Allegiance to the 1600 prospective corps posted to the state for the mandatory exercise.
The Chief Judge who was represented by Justice Femi Akinbinu of the Akoko Judicial Division urged the corps members to genuinely identify themselves with the problems and aspirations of the people resident within the areas of their place of primary assignment.
