Makinde Visits Oyo Camp, says Govt. Determined To Invest  In Youth Development 

The Governor of Oyo state, ‘Seyi Makinde’ has disclosed that the Oyo State government is determined to invest hugely in youth development. 

In a statement by Omolere Omoetan Senior Special Assistant Media to the Deputy governor, Makinde who was represented by his deputy, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, added that the government will do everything within its capacity to ensure a conducive and secured environment during and after the orientation exercise. 

The governor stated these during his unscheduled visit to the permanent orientation camp of NYSC, in Iseyin Local Government Area of the stat on Friday. 

While welcoming the Corps members to the Pacesetter” State, a State synonymous with hospitality and rich Yoruba cultural heritage, the deputy governor said, “today marks the official commencement of the Batch ‘A’ Stream I Service year and I congratulate you for being qualified to be called up for National Service after you have successfully completed your academic programs.

“This clarion call is for you to serve your fatherland with a consistent display of hard work, discipline and quest to contribute your quota to national development and Oyo State in particular. I want you to see your call to Service as call to sacrifice, dedication, perseverance and humility.

“The Orientation course which is the first step in Service will prepare you for the task and challenges of the Service year. I therefore urge you to avail yourselves of this opportunity by participating in all the camp activities and obey all rules and regulations that have been put in place to ensure a hitch free Orientation exercise.Equally note that this induction is significant for targeting the youth in order to instill in them the right frame of mind and prepare them for the particular role they have to play in nation building.

“On the alarming rate of unemployment among the graduate youths. I charge you all to embrace the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme which is designed to empower the Corps members with a skill that can turn you to wealth creators and employers of labour during and after your service year.

“I further enjoin you to be patriotic and selfless in all your activities starting here in the camp to your Places of Primary Assignment. It is on record that the activities of your predecessors have positively impacted the lives of their host communities in various sectors by providing good rural health care, qualitative education, enlightenment and sensitization on some vital national issues. Our nation Nigeria depends on your services and it is a great responsibility that you all must bear.  You must uphold the ideals of the Scheme in the discharge of your assignments.

“As you step into your roles as service corps, I implore you to cultivate a healthy relationship among your colleagues during and after the orientation exercise. Remember, the task of nation building is a collective responsibility. Similarly, equip yourselves with the right values to ensure a greater future. Though you shall find yourselves in a totally new environment, it should be seen as an avenue to make new friends and break new grounds in your host communities.”

Lawal who reiterated the administration’s efforts to ensure a conducive and secured environment during and after the orientation exercise, said that the government is not unaware of security challenges being experienced in our country. 

“To this effect, we have put in place adequate security measures to check any breakdown of law and order. I hereby urge you to be law abiding and partner with Oyo State to create a secured environment. As the general elections are drawing near do not make yourselves available to be used by unscrupulous politicians. Remain apolitical as your calling demands.

“Furthermore, we also assure you that the welfare of all Corps members deployed to the State remains our utmost priority. We would likewise expect you to reciprocate the kind gesture by putting in your best.

“Once again on behalf of the friendly and good people of Oyo State whose warm reception is guaranteed, I heartily welcome you to the State for your one-year mandatory Service.

I will not fail to commend the State NYSC Governing Board, NYSC Management, traditional rulers and other stakeholders for their efforts towards the smooth take off of this program. I therefore use this opportunity to charge all stakeholders to make the stay of these youths in Oyo State memorable.

It is on this note that I formally declare the 2023 Batch ‘A’ (Stream I) Orientation course open.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Seun Fakorede urged the corps members to continue to remain respectful and dignified manner throughout the service year. 

He equally urged them to display high level of maturity in everything they do while on camp having in mind the regimented nature of the e environment. 

Fakorede added that the Makinde’s led administration has shown a lot of interest in not only the activities of corps members but also their welfare, saying that corps members allowance are paid as when due and whatever the state can do within its capacity to assist in enhancing the welfare of corps members while I. Camp has also continued to receive attention.