Actualize the vision of founding fathers- Aiyedatiwa charges Corps Members

The Executive Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has urged corps members to actualize the vision of the founding fathers by working diligently toward the country's development.

The Governor made this call during his address at the official opening and swearing-in ceremony for the 2024 Batch 'C' (Stream 1) corps members deployed to Ondo State.

Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Saka Yusuf Ogunleye, encouraged the corps members to overcome challenges and give their best to the nation.

The Governor emphasized that corps members have a significant responsibility to ensure a secure future for Nigeria and upcoming generations. He urged them to re-dedicate themselves to national service, reminding them that they would face challenging yet fulfilling tasks that contribute to national development.

Aiyedatiwa described the induction period as a time for reflection on the country's evolution and their roles in the necessary national rebirth and reconstruction. He urged them to avoid negative tendencies and commit fully to bringing about positive change.

The Governor reassured the corps members that their welfare and security would be adequately addressed throughout their service year in Ondo State. He also pledged his administration's continued support to the National Youth Service Corps in the state, ensuring that they have a fulfilling service year.

In line with the provisions of the National Youth Service Corps Act and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Aiyedatiwa officially opened the orientation course, encouraging the new corps members to follow the example of their predecessors and remain selfless, patriotic citizens during and after their service year.

In her welcome address, the Ondo State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, informed the corps members that the orientation course was designed to introduce them to the objectives and programs of the NYSC Scheme.

She highlighted that the three-week induction would prepare them for the challenges of the service year and post-service life, while familiarizing them with their new socio-cultural environment. Bakare also outlined exciting and rewarding extracurricular activities, including lectures on Yoruba tradition and culture, leadership, entrepreneurial training, parade drills, Man 'O' War training, sports, and inter-platoon skills acquisition competitions.

She took the opportunity to call on Local Governments, corporate citizens, philanthropists, and other stakeholders to invest in the infrastructure of the Permanent Orientation Camp. She noted that the camp lacked adequate accommodation for corps members and camp officials, which has hindered effective service delivery.

Bakare also expressed gratitude to the Governor for his commitment to upgrading the camp’s facilities and structures. She announced that, as of the official cut-off, a total of 1,244 corps members had registered for service in Ondo State, comprising 567 males and 677 females.

The administration of the Oath of Allegiance was conducted by Hon. Justice Bankole Akinwunmi, representing the Chief Judge of Ondo State. Justice Akinwunmi urged the corps members to be proud of their fatherland, cherish the nation's diverse cultures, and genuinely identify with the aspirations and challenges of the communities where they would serve.