Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, on Thursday, urged the 1,447 corps members recently posted to the state for the compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), to join the state government in fight against all forms of social vices and shortcomings such as illiteracy, rural underdevelopment, out of school children, insecurity, female and child abuse as well as HIV/AIDS sensitisation and prevention.
Governor Fayemi gave the charge at the swearing-in ceremony for the corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp at Ise, in Ise-Orun Local Government Area of the state.
The governor, with the NYSC state coordinator, Mrs. Okponkete Emmanuella, warned the young men and women to desist from acts of cultism and drug abuse, promised to ensure they have a secured and fruitful stay in the state.
According to Governor Fayemi, “I commend your patriotic acts as you left your various homes and states far and wide to travel to Ekiti State to register and participate in this novel scheme which no doubt was established by the founding father’s forty six years ago as possible solution to the deep mistrust and suspicion among different ethno-religious people in Nigeria that led to the civil war between 1967 to 1970 as well as socioeconomic development of the country.
“The scheme’s programme are designed in such a way that educated youths in Nigeria like you are to drive these programmes with ultimate objective of eliminating ignorance, mistrust and suspicion that will eventually unite and integrate the multi-ethnic and multi -religious people of our great country.
“I urge you to participate actively in all Orientation Course Programmes, as you are being prepared for greater role during this service year and after the service as leaders.”
Also assuring the youngsters of fruitful stay, Mrs. Okpongete said: “To facilitate the physical, moral and intellectuality induction of these corps members, NYSC management has engaged the services of seasoned personnel from the Nigeria Army, Citizenship and Leadership Training Centres, The Nigeria Police, Red Cross , Skilled Entrepreneurs, Professional personnel’s from Ministry of Health, Justice and COREN.
“We wish to seize this opportunity to press our request for the completion of renovation of some of our dilapidated structures and the construction of a lecture hall and more hostels for corps members and staff.
Sir, there is urgent need for a lecture hall, as you are already aware; we have a large expanse of land for development of new structures in the camp.
“I wish to warn you that we have zero tolerance for cultism and drug addiction. We frown at every negative act capable of threatening the peace of this camp.
“You are very lucky to be posted to Ekiti, the state governor has genuine interest in the welfare of corps members, you will need to reciprocate this kind of gesture to government by serving with commitment and patriotism.
You have been mobilized at a time when our great nation needs you most as you are the generations to move our dear country to the next level. Therefore, you are to take seriously your training in this orientation course and be ready to contribute positively at all times.
Nigeria is waiting eagerly for you to take positive steps that will lead us to the desired haven. I enjoin you therefore to make discipline your watchword, be focused during this course and participate in SAED training in camp”.
