By Chris Njoku
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River has disclosed that the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) scheme remains a veritable tool for national unity and integration against all odds.
Otu made the call on Tuesday during the official opening/swearing-in ceremony of 2024 Batch ‘A’ Stream 1 Prospective Corps Members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp Obubra.
The governor who was represented by Mr Odum-Ijom Ukam, Cross River’s Commissioner for Youth Development charged the Corps Members deployed to the state to contribute positively to the socio-economic development of Cross River.
He reminded the newly sworn-in Corps Members that this was a period for them to make personal sacrifices and prepare themselves for the enormous challenges of nation-building.
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According to him, “l charge you to contribute to the socio-economic development of the state which will stand you out at the end of your service year.
“My administration is people-driven, which will create a conducive atmosphere for Corps Members to operate, also, the welfare of the Corps Members will be given top priority,” he stated.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr Andrew Zemoh, State Coordinator NYSC Cross River, said the three weeks Orientation Course was structured to prepare Corps Members for the compulsory one-year national service.
Zemoh said Corps Members would be exposed to Camp activities such as leadership training, drills, lectures, Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, (SAED) training to prepare them ahead.
He also used the opportunity to urge Corps Members to be patriotic as their services were crucial in many sectors for national development.
Highpoint of the ceremony was the administration of the Oath of Allegiance on the Corps Members by the Chief Judge of Cross River, Justice Akon lkpeme who was represented by the Judge of Obubra High Court, Justice Emmanuel Ubua. (NAN)