By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has called on the Batch B Stream 1 corps members to see their service to fatherland as a noble one.
The Lagos State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Yetunde Baderinwa, gave the charge at the swearing-in of 3,603 corps members held on Tuesday at the NYSC Temporary Orientation Camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos state.
Baderinwa’s speech was delivered by Mrs Margret Omagi, Camp Director, NYSC Temporary Orientation Camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.
According to her, in the orientation course, the first of four cardinal programmes of NYSC is aimed at preparing graduate youths for the onerous task of nation building.
“It is usually characterised by military drills, lecture on topical subjects, skills acquisition, advisory training, games/sports and social activities in relation to aims and objectives of the scheme.
“Your call to join the vanguard of youths in the service of the fatherland is a noble one, therefore, you should avail yourselves of the opportunities provided by this orientation and be the best you can,” she added.
She expressed appreciation to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state for the love and support demonstrated to the scheme, adding, “especially for provision of site for the construction of befitting Permanent Orientation Camp at Ikorodu”.
Meanwhile, the NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Mohammad Fadah, enjoined the 2022 Batch B, Stream 1 Corp members to know the provisions Act and Bye-Laws of the scheme.
Fadah, gave the remark in his address which was read by Baderinwa to the batch deployed to Lagos which comprised of 1,369 male and 2,234 female.
“As you may be aware, one of the objectives of NYSC is the promotion of national unity and integration, hence, your deployment away from your states of origin and your assemblage here from diverse ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
“This policy will not only offer you the opportunity for a broader understanding of the country, but also entrench the culture of working together in an atmosphere filled with friendship, peace, harmony, and a shared vision of a great and prosperous Nigeria.
“Let me also remind you that the oath of allegiance you have taken today is significant, as it is expected to guide your conduct in the service year as well as have an everlasting influence on your life after service.”
He said: “You are also enjoined to familiarise yourselves with the provisions of the NYSC Act and the NYSC Bye-Laws.
“Sustain the high level of discipline and enthusiasm you have demonstrated especially by remaining compliant with the camp rules and regulations.
“It is designed to equip you for the tasks of the service year through lessons on Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, leadership coaching, sensitisation on topical national issues, amongst others.
“Also a platform for kick-starting various activities that will enable you to realise your potential and attain individual feats both during and after service. I, therefore, enjoin you to utilise this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by participating in all the Camp activities.
“Let me also remind you that the oath of allegiance you have taken today is significant, as it is expected to guide your conduct in the Service Year as well as have an everlasting influence on your life after service,” he added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the oath of allegiance taken by representative of the ten platoons was administered by Hon. Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo, representative of the Chief Judge of Lagos state.