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The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has inaugurated 2,500 corps members of the 2024 Batch C Stream II, deployed to Nasarawa State for their national service.
The acting Governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, declared the orientation course open at the Magaji Dan-Yamusa NYSC Camp in Keffi Local Government Area of the state on Friday.
Akabe congratulated the corps members for the successful completion of their academic pursuits, which qualified them for national service.
He urged the corps members to reflect on the weight of the responsibilities on them, adding that their service transcends geographical boundaries.
“It is a bridge that connects diverse communities, fostering understanding and collaboration.
“Therefore, your efforts – both big and small, will leave indelible marks on the lives of those you serve. Take this chance to learn, lead and leave your mark,” he said.
He urged the corps members to pay meticulous attention to the content of the bye-laws of the scheme and ensure they serve as guiding principles throughout the service year as they provide the framework for a successful service year.
“While wishing you a successful orientation course, I enjoin you to shun all forms of vices and participate actively in the skills acquisition and entrepreneurship training that will prepare you for economic development,” he said.
The acting governor also commended the NYSC management, stakeholders and collaborating agencies for their dedication to service and abiding within the core objectives of the scheme.
He also assured the scheme of the state government’s continuous support; hence, the approval for a new 2,000 capacity multipurpose hall at the orientation camp.
In her remarks, Hajiya Salamatu Muhammad, Coordinator of the scheme in the state, appreciated the governor for his presence at the ceremony.
She thanked the Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Justice Aisha Bashir-Aliyu, for her role in administering the oath of allegiance to the corps members during the ceremony.
The coordinator explained that the orientation course was not just a routine exercise but a programme designed to acquaint the corps members with the values and objectives of NYSC.
She also lauded the positive attitude of the corps members posted to the state, which comprised of 1,320 males and 1,180 females, adding that since the commencement of the orientation their response towards the training had been encouraging.
Muhammad called on the corps members to adhere to camp rules, respect constituted authority and actively participate in all activities.