A total of 1,902 members of the 2020 Batch A Stream One of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)posted to Abia State have been formally sworn in to commence their orientation camp.
Speaking at the event at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ụmụnnaato Bende, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu charged the corps members to utilize the opportunity made available by the one year mandatory National service to expand their scope by acquiring an additional skill to what they may have learnt in school. He called on the new corps members to ensure they actively participate in all camp activities as well as learn a skill while in camp.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem, noted that the orientation course is designed to equip the new corp members in the task of nation building as well as the challenges that lie ahead of the service year and charged them never to disappoint the nation but ensure a peaceful and harmonious co-existence and positive impact while in camp and afterwards. He informed that Abia State and her people are known for their enterprise, hence the need for them to make judicious use of the opportunity to benefit from it.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman NYSC State governing board and Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Chief Emeka Ikwuagwu charged them to achieve the much needed integration for which NYSC was conceived. He urged them to freely interact with the people as well as free their minds from all forms of previously held negative stories about the State informing that Abia people are accomodating and hospitable. He commended the Governor for his efforts in making the camp conducive and congratulated the new Corps members on their swearing in.
Also, the Abia State NYSC Co-ordinator, Lady Bona Adibeli Fasakin noted that the scheme which has been in existence for more than forty-six (46)years was established to develop common ties among the youths and promote national unity as well as develop the spirit of industry and self-reliance amongst the youth. She therefore called on the people of Abia State and Nigerians to cooperate with the scheme to ensure a hitch-free orientation program. She stated that the orientation camp which commenced on Tuesday 10th March. She urged them to keep up the sense of discipline, dedication and understanding which they have exhibited so far and enjoined them to be part of the skill acquisition and entrepreneurial training as well as shun all forms cultism and unethical behaviours.
She also used the opportunity to call on Transition Committee Chairmen of the seventeen (17)Local Government Areas in the State to make out time to visit the camp and showcase their different local governments to the new corps members as it will go a long way to get them acquainted with the state.
She thanked the Governor for his support in the scheme and for creating an enabling environment for members of the service corps in the State to thrive.
Highlights of the event was the administering of Oath of Allegiance on the new corp members by the representative of the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice C. C. T Adiele, inspection of guard by the Governor and Man O’War performance.
