July 16, (THEWILL) – Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, has assured corps members posted to the state that his administration will make the state a home away from home during and after their service year.
Diri made this known during the 2024 Batch B Stream I closing ceremony held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Boro Town, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the State, adding that he will provide one of the best welfare packages for corps members and will continue to explore ways of enhancing their welfare and security.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government/Chairman, NYSC State Governing Board, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, advised them to hold onto their dreams and aspirations and work towards achieving them.
He reminded them that the service year in Bayelsa will not merely be to fulfil a requirement but to make a lasting impact through their primary assignments and community development service.
Diri urged the people of the state to accept corps members, assist them to settle down and teach them the language and culture of the host communities.
He further urged them to be role models to other youths, students and pupils and mentor them to be responsible citizens and future leaders. He particularly cautioned corps employers against rejections without genuine reasons and induced rejections.
The Governor welcomed them to the state, congratulated them for a successful orientation course, wished them a satisfying service year and declared the programme closed.
Earlier, the State Coordinator, Mrs Okpalifo Obiageli Charity, urged the corps members to promptly report to their respective places of primary assignments and settle down for national service in the state.
She also warned them against engaging in actions and omissions that will put their lives in danger and negatively affect their service year.
Charity highlighted the four cardinal programmes of the scheme, which include orientation, primary assignment, secondary assignment and winding up/passing out parade. She emphasised that the orientation programmes remain pivotal to a successful service year.
She reminded them that the primary assignment runs simultaneously with Community Development Service and urged them to identify the felt needs of the host community and initiate and execute viable CDS projects that will address such needs to leave a legacy beneficial to the people.
The State Coordinator assured them that the Bayelsa State Government, alongside the NYSC, has put together a reward system for corps members who distinguished themselves during the service year.
“Build upon the foundations you have acquired during the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) in-camp training to improve your chosen skill as some of your predecessors who heeded the wise counsel by also participating in the SAED post-camp training are today business owners, doing very well in their various business endeavours, and contributing positively to the growth of Nigeria’s economy,” she stated.
She further enjoined them to consider national interest above tribal and sectional interest, as that put Nigeria on the steady path of development.
She expressed sincere gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government for its commitment to the welfare and security of the corps members.
The State Coordinator also appreciated collaborating partners and camp officials for their team spirit, display of emotional intelligence and commitment throughout the orientation programme.
She equally called on all corps’ employers and traditional rulers in the state to ensure that corpers’ lodges were habitable and secured for corps members.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
