FC committed to reform NYSC scheme ~Yar'Adua
The Federal Government says it will reform the National Youth Service Corps scheme for more effective result as well as provide requisite environments for corps members to enable them perform for the common good of the people.
President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua stated this in an address he sent to the swearing-in ceremony of Batch “B” 2009 corps members deployed to Rivers State.
In the address read on his behalf by the State deputy governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru at the State orientation camp, Nonwa, President Yar'Adua said the NYSC scheme has for the past 36 years been an enduring vehicle for the training of Nigerian youths to acquire requisite knowledge that will enable them participate actively in nation building.
Charging the corps members to take their orientation seriously, he commended some state governments that have given their orientation camps a facelift, while urging those who have not, to do so.
His words, “you must take the orientation seriously and be disciplined and focused in all you do. You should be involved in all national programmes and be guided by the fact that you are not only ambassadors of your schools, but also the nation, states and the people”.
In his address, Rivers State governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru expressed his government's commitment to the NYSC scheme, saying “we have been making concerted efforts at providing comfortable environment not only on the orientation camp but also wherever you are posted to serve.
The state chief executive who enjoined the corps members to integrate themselves property into any environment they find themselves warned them against indulging in criminal activities because as he put it, “the state government is fighting crime and we have decided that anyone caught will be dealt with according to the law”.
He advised them to use the one year service to re-organise themselves and decide on what to do earn a living genuinely, just as they should assist children in the state grow as good citizens.
Earlier, chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board and Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Magnus Abe, urged the corps members to serve with an open mind and explore avenues of developing common ties that will promote national unity and integration.
Honourable Abe represented by the Permanent Secretary in his office assured of the Governor Amaechi-led administration's commitment to the success of the scheme “as exemplified by his numerous financial and moral support.
In her speech, State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Gloria Obioha, disclosed that a total of 1,905, corps members registered and appreciated their show of discipline and commitment to the programme.
The oath of pledge was administered by Justice Chioma Okirie on behalf of the State Chief Judge.
