By Saheed Ibrahim

Fourteen Corps members will repeat the mandatory service year in Ondo State for absconding from service.

This is just as two of the Corps Members were conferred with the State Honours Award for distinguishing themselves with their contributions to their respective local government areas.

Ondo State Coordinator of the scheme, Mrs Victoria Ani disclosed this yesterday at the passing out parade of 1,858 2021  Batch ‘B’ (Steam 1) Corps members deployed to the state a year ago,

The honoured Corps Members were Samuel Chinasa Favour (OD/21B/0929) and Ojima Blessing (OD/21/B/0218).

Ani charged the Corps members to make Nigeria an industrial nation by utilising their acquired skills for the economic advancement of the nation.

“I wish to place on record that the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme you have been exposed to during your orientation course as well as post-camp training you greatly invested your time and resources in, have no doubt made you potential entrepreneurs and fledging industrialists.

“With the acquired skill, the nation is looking forward to your making this country an industrialised hub again.

“Continue to be good ambassadors of this unifying and noble Scheme as well as your respective families and your various institutions of higher learning and always know that Federal Government through NYSC has made you a personality to be proud of and eschew all forms of sharp practices that lead to destruction and truncation of your destiny”, she admonished.

The Coordinator further disclosed that another eight would have their service year extended for various misdeamenors.

She appreciated the state government for its continuous support  to the Corps Members and NYSC in general.

In his farewell message, Ondo State Governor,Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu charged Corps Members to take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development  (SAED) programme acquired during their service year to create jobs and be economically independent.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Youth and Sports, Eng. Ajibola Ogidan, Akeredolu said the Corps Members should not allow the resources invested on them to waste.

Akeredolu appreciated the Corps Members and the NYSC for the various community development projects executed, saying the projects would be adequately maintained.

He appreciated security agencies, employers, royal fathers, community leaders and other stakeholders of the NYSC for supporting the Corps Members in executing their lofty projects.