By Orumwense Sarah O.
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has officially declared open the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2024 Batch C, Stream 1 Orientation Course for corps members deployed to the State, at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Okada, Ovia North-East Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the Governor warmly welcomed the corps members to the State, describing Edo as a land rich in culture, history, and opportunities. He congratulated the corps members and reassured them that their safety, welfare, and security are of utmost importance to his administration.
The Governor emphasized that Edo State holds immense potentials for personal and professional growth, with numerous opportunities in agriculture, education, technology, entrepreneurship, and tourism. He encouraged the corps members to tap into such opportunities, leveraging the NYSC platform as a launchpad for their personal and professional aspirations.
Sen. Okpebholo urged the corps members to cooperate fully with the NYSC Management during the Orientation programme and beyond. He noted that the orientation programme is designed to equip them with skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to excel during the service year and in their future endeavours.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier-General Y. D. Ahmed, represented by the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Ben-Ushie Frances Ifeoma, noted that the NYSC camp in Edo State commenced the orientation course with 1,187 registered corps members, comprising 505 males and 682 females.
Mrs. Ben-Ushie, who appreciated the Governor’s commitment to youth development and national integration, also congratulated the corps members on their successful enlistment into the scheme.
She urged corps members to be disciplined and willing to learn as it is the means of successfully realizing the objectives of the NYSC, noting that over the years, the Scheme has helped to build long-term friendships and greater opportunities.
Mrs. Ben-Ushie acknowledged that the NYSC programme has contributed to the social and economic development of the State by providing skilled personnel for critical sectors, hence enhancing labour and promoting national unity through the deployment of corps members across communities in the State.
She congratulated his Excellency, Sen. Okpebholo on his assumption of office as the State Governor and notified him of some teething problems the Scheme is currently faced with in the State.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Chairman of Ovia North-East LGA, Hon. Collins Osamede Ogbewe; the Chairman of Ovia South-West LGA, Hon. (Engr.) Edosa Enowoghomwenma; the Commander, Military Hospital, represented by Major O. S. Ojo; the Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University Okada, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, represented by the Dean of Student Affairs, Charlse Ochem; the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Aiyegbeni Balogun, amongst other relevant stakeholders.
Highpoint of the event was the administration of the Oath of Allegiance to corps members by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, represented by Hon. Justice Vestee Otumaye Eboreime. The corps members swore to serve their fatherland with dedication, honesty, and loyalty.
