The National Youth Service Corps has sworn in 2,000 corps members of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II deployed to Jigawa State for their national service.
The swearing-in took place on Friday at the Gen. Yakubu Gowon NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Dutse, the state capital.
NYSC scheme was designed to promote national unity and integration and to provide young graduates with the opportunity to contribute to the development of the country.
In his remark at the event, Governor Umar Namadi, represented by the Commissioner for Basic Education, Dr. Lawan Yunusa, declared the orientation course open.
He urged the corps members to feel at home and enjoy the hospitality of the citizens of the state.
According to Namadi, Jigawa State is rich in cultural heritage, and unique agricultural produce, and has a conducive atmosphere that promotes healthy lifestyle and entrepreneurship.
“You will find our state to be a place where you can grow and develop,” he assured the corps members.
The governor’s representative also called on the corps members to position themselves as positive and dependable agents of transformation and symbols of national integration and rapid socio-economic development.
He emphasised the importance of building bridges of friendship that transcend religion, ethnicity, and bigotry.
“I urge you to promote and champion peaceful coexistence for national unity, as you settle in, and I encourage you to get to know the people and culture of Jigawa State,” he said.
However, the governor assured the corps members that his administration would continue to create an enabling environment for them to maximise their potentials, adding that “We will provide the necessary support to enhance the capacity of the NYSC to deliver on its core mandate.”
Earlier, the NYSC Coordinator, Alhaji Jidda Dawut, told the corps members that the scheme has four cardinal programmes designed to engage them towards self-reliance and capacity building for future leadership responsibilities.
Dawut therefore called on the corps members to adhere to camp rules, respect constituted authority, and actively participate in all activities, saying “Your participation and cooperation are crucial to the success of this orientation course.”
“Your are expected to undergo a three-week orientation course, which will equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge for their national service,” the coordinator explained to the corps members.