Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has urged the 2024 Batch C, Stream 2 corps members deployed to the state for their mandatory one-year national service to be worthy ambassadors of the National Youth Service Corps.
Diri was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Alfred Nimizigha, at the opening/swearing-in ceremony at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Boro Town, on Friday.
The governor also enjoined them to key into the vast opportunities in the state for personal development.
“I want to assure you that the Government of Bayelsa State is committed to your safety and well-being. We will do everything in our power to protect and support you throughout your service year,” he said.
He said the state government remains an active and critical stakeholder in the security and welfare packages that will make corps members’ service year experience memorable.
He further welcomed them to the state and urged them to be worthy ambassadors of the service corps. He reminded them of the enormous responsibility that rests on their shoulders.
“Our society is at a critical juncture where we are increasingly fragmented along ethnic, religious and geopolitical lines. But I have faith in you, my dear corps members, that you will be the beacon of hope that our nation so desperately needs.
“You have the power to bring people together to foster unity and promote a sense of common identity that will propel our country forward,” he emphasised.
He concluded that the NYSC offers a unique platform for the youths to come together, learn from one another and build lasting bonds that transcend diverse backgrounds, orientations and ideologies.
He described the scheme as a chance for corps members to discover themselves, grow and develop into capable and compassionate leaders who will shape the future of Nigeria.
Earlier, in her welcome remarks, the State Coordinator, Mrs Okpalifo Charity, thanked the special guest of honour, the governor, collaborating partners and other guests for their presence.
She highlighted the objectives of the orientation course and advised corps members deployed to the state to embrace the service year with all the seriousness it deserves because careful and deliberate programmes have been well designed to adequately prepare and equip them for optimum performance.
She enjoined them to shun all forms of social vices and actions detrimental to the image of the scheme during the orientation courses and in their various places of primary assignments.
She thanked Diri for his immense support to NYSC.
Highlights of the event were the administration of the national and NYSC pledges on the corps members by the State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Maltida Ayemieye, and a tug-of-war special demonstration by the corps members.