SAED Must Be Taken Seriously —Seyi Makinde Advises Corps Members

The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has encouraged the corps members who have responded to the call of duty to exhibit dedication and a strong work ethic. 

The Governor made this statement while formally inaugurating the orientation course for Batch ‘B’ stream 2 of the 2023 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Oyo NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Iseyin.

Represented by the Hon. Commissioner for Education, Science & Technology, Prof. Saliu Abdulwaheed Adelabu, Governor Makinde highlighted the pivotal role that young people have played in fostering national unity over the past five decades. 

He commended successive batches of Corps Members for their contributions to education, agriculture, healthcare, and infrastructural development, underscoring their commitment to shaping a better Nigeria.

Addressing the orientation course, Governor Makinde emphasized that the carefully planned activities of the camp would mentally and physically prepare the corps members for the challenges of their service year. 

He stressed the importance of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme, urging all corps members to take it seriously as a means to acquire valuable skills and training that would help them overcome the prevalent issue of youth unemployment.

Governor Makinde assured the corps members of their safety within Oyo State and highlighted the state's rich cultural heritage and tourist attractions, inviting them to explore and appreciate the natural beauty the state offers.

Speaking further, Mrs. Olubukola Oladipo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, emphasized that responding to the call of duty reflects patriotism and requires commitment, dedication, and selflessness. 

She urged the corps members to support one another, live peacefully, and uphold the ideals set forth by the founding fathers of the NYSC Scheme.

The National Youth Service Corps, Oyo State Coordinator, Mr. Odoba Abel Oche, in his introductory speech, praised the Federal Government for its visionary approach in shaping the youth into responsible citizens for nation-building.

He recognized Governor Seyi Makinde's support for NYSC in Oyo State, highlighting the state's excellent provisions for corps members' welfare.

The ceremony's highlight was the administration of the oath of allegiance to over 2,000 corps members by the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Honourable Justice Iyabo Yerima, including those deployed to Oyo and those relocated from Lagos State.