New Corps Members have been sworn-in in Ebonyi State by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with a total of 1,012 for Batch ‘C’ Stream ‘1’.
GoldenNewsNg reports that the event took place on Tuesday at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Old MacGregor College in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The Director General of the scheme, Brigadier General Mohammed Fadah, in his address, rejoiced with the corps members on the successful completion of their academic programmes, and their subsequent mobilization for the National Service.
Represented by the State Coordinator, Mrs Bamai Mercy, the Director-General also commended the corps members for their prompt response to the clarion call to serve their fatherland, stressing that history would be kind to them for their patriotic zeal.
He explained that as the launch pad for the Service Year, the NYSC Orientation Course would prepare the corps members physically and mentally for their expected contributions to the progress and development of their fatherland.
He added that the orientation course would equip the corps members for the realization of their potential and attainment of individual feats both within the period of service and beyond.
Fadah further told the Corps Members that the camp activities would include lessons on the four Cardinal Programmes of the NYSC, including leadership coaching, paramilitary drills and other physical training as well as sensitization on topical national issues, amongst others.
He, however, charged them to avail themselves of this unique opportunity by participating actively in all the camp programmes.
Fadah added: “in line with some of the objectives of the NYSC, we deliberately posted you away from your States of origin in addition to assembling you here from diverse ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
“These deployment policies are aimed at broadening your understanding of the country, thereby standing you in good stead for effective contribution ta the promotion of national unity and integration.
“I, therefore, encourage you to ensure healthy interactions, exchange ideas and build lasting friendships to advance the progress of a united Nigeria.
“My dear compatriots, today, you have taken the solemn oath to dedicate yourselves to the service of our fatherland. I enjoin you to always ponder over the significance of the oath and be guided by Its spirit and letters.”
The NYSC DG advised the corps members to familiarize themselves with the content of both the NYSC Act and the NYSC Bye-Laws.
While commending the corps members for having conducted themselves well since their arrival in the orientation camp, Brigadier General Fadah encouraged them to continue to demonstrate a high level of discipline and enthusiasm throughout the exercise.
“Let me also remind you that the regimented nature of the camp is intended to further instil discipline and build your resilience.
“You are expected to comply strictly with the set rules and regulations and be obedient to your course officials.
“Let me use this opportunity to caution you against indulgence in cultism, drug abuse and other social vices. I also urge you to use social media only for the promotion of unity and other positive purposes rather than rumour peddling and the promotion of hatred.
“At all times, you must be security conscious and avoid putting yourself in harm’s way,” he cautioned.
He recalled that it is no longer news that white-collar jobs are hard to come by,” and underscored the empowerment of Corps members for self-employment and wealth creation has been a major area of focus for the Scheme since 2012.
He urged the corps members to begin from this moment by availing themselves of opportunities through the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.
“I am happy to inform you that many of your predecessors, who embraced vocational and entrepreneurial training on the SAED platform, are now successful business owners.
“I, therefore, encourage you to stay off the long queue of job seekers by choosing from the various skill sets and participating fully in the training sessions.
“On our part, we shall continue to work with relevant stakeholders, including financial institutions, to enable you to actualize your business dreams,” he advised.
The NYSC DG, therefore, appreciated the support of the Federal, state and local governments as well as security agencies, traditional rulers, corps employers and other stakeholders, especially in the areas of security and the general welfare of the corps members.
The Corps members were sworn in by the Chief Judge of Ebonyi State, Justice Elvis Ngele, ably represented by Justice Vincent Nwanchor.