By Orumwense Sarah O.
The Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has again been lauded by the State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Ben-Ushie Frances Ifeoma, for consistently demonstrating commitments to supporting the Scheme.
The commendations were part of the events marking the closing ceremony of the year 2025 Batch A Stream II Orientation Course of the NYSC in Okada, the Headquarters of Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. The Governor’s gestures included the provision of luxurious buses to convey Corps members to their places of primary assignments (PPAs).
Sen. Okpebholo, represented by the functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Aiyegbeni Balogun, while congratulating corps members for their courage, resilience and unwavering dedication throughout the Orientation exercise, said it is great joy and pride to celebrate the successful participation and completion of the first phase of the NYSC programme by the Corps members.
In his words, “I have heard good reports of your enthusiasm, discipline, and your readiness towards learning are highly impressive. I urge you to sustain the lessons and values you have imbibed here as you move into the next phase of your Service year. Let these lessons guide your conduct and service to your host communities.” He urged the Corps members to respect the culture and traditions of the people and strive to integrate harmoniously into host communities in order to learn from them. He concluded that they should leave positive legacies in the communities where they will serve as Edo State is known for its warm and hospitable people.
The NYSC State Coordinator in a welcome address, said that over the past three weeks, Corps members have been immersed in activities designed to prepare them for the challenges and responsibility of nation building. She commended their courage, resilience and adaptability in embracing the drills, lectures and the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.
She encouraged them to build on the skills and values acquired during the Orientation exercise as they transition into their PPAs, stating that the SAED programme is a valuable tool for empowering themselves economically and also to prepare them for life beyond the Service year. She urged the Corps members to reciprocate the gestures of the Edo State Government by serving diligently and contributing meaningfully to their host communities.
Dignitaries at the closing ceremony included the Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, represented by the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Charlse Ochem; the Camp Commandant, Captain U. Y. Ozegya; the Director of Military Hospital, represented by Major O. S. Ojo; the DPO of Okada Police Division, represented by DSP. Edet Solomon.
High Point of the ceremony was the presentation of three hearty cheers to His Excellency, Sen. Okpebholo by Corps members, and the inspection toll on the 2025 Batch A Stream II Corps members, led by the Parade Commander.
