Date: 2019-06-23

The Kwara State government says it will continue to be responsive and alert to all her commitments towards the NYSC programme in the state.

The State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq stated this in his address delivered at the official opening and swearing-in of 2019 Batch ‘B’ stream 1 Orientation course at NYSC Orientation Camp, Yikpata, Edu Local government area of the State.

Alhaji Abdulrasaq who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi said over the years, NYSC scheme has provided the rallying point to mobilise the highly resourceful Nigerian youths for the onerous task of nation building.

The Governor expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the Management of the National Youth Service Corps scheme for the sustenance and continuity of the youth-oriented programme in its forty-six years of existence.

He acknowledged that the scheme has consistently proved its continuous relevance to the Nation's socio-economic development.

Alhaji Abdulrazaq commended members of the National Youth Service Corps for their roles during the 2019 General Elections saying that the inclusion of the patriotic corps members as ad-hoc personnel by INEC gave the electoral process the desired credibility and acceptance.

The Governor noted that the NYSC orientation course was carefully designed to instill discipline and a platform to physically, psychologically and socially prepare Corps members for the rigorous task of nation building.

He charged the Corps members not to allow frivolities to affect their commitment in achieving the expected qualities of future leaders, which the programme is designed to prepare them for.

Governor Abdulrazaq urged them to let peace, good conduct, honesty and hard work their watchwords and be worthy ambassadors of their various families and the NYSC scheme.

The Governor explained that his administration has been adequately briefed about the various needs that will make the camp environment conducive for the orientation exercise and assured that the requests would receive adequate attention, as soon as the economic situation of the state improves.

Also speaking, the Acting Chairman of the State NYSC Governing Board, Alhaji Shuaib Akanbi added that the three-week orientation programme was aimed at among others exposed them to the rudiment of leadership and its responsibilities.

Akanbi who is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Youth Development appealed to the Corps members to give maximum cooperation to achieve a hitch free orientation course and assured that the present administration would continue to support the Scheme in achieving all its lofty aims and objectives.

Earlier in her speech, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Esther Ikupolati said the camp has registered two thousand, four hundred and eight Corps members stressing that the Orientation course was designed to prepare them for the rigours of national service and instill value of patriotism, loyalty, selfless service and discipline.

Mrs Ikupolati highlighted some of the challenges facing the Camp including lack of perimeter fence, dilapidated and inadequate hostel buildings, shortage of water and non payment of State allowance to Corps members.

The representative of the State Chief Judge later administered oath of allegiance on the Corps members.

The Deputy Governor had earlier inspected guard of honour mounted by the NYSC troops.