The Governor of Enugu State, Rt Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has tasked corps members to champion the protection of the sovereignty of Nigeria and ensure the continued unity and existence of the country.
Governor Ugwuanyi, who was speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2018 NYSC ‘Batch B, Stream 2’ orientation camp exercise at Agwu, Enugu State, said that the continued existence of Nigeria was a task that should remain a paramount interest of all Nigerians.
“Dear compatriots, the goals of the NYSC are noble and are will continue to remain relevant in a diverse society such as ours. The unity of and continued existence of Nigeria is a task that should continue to be paramount interest to all of us.
“Therefore, you must as a matter of duty rise to the protection of the sovereignty of this country at all times. You must remain law abiding and shun acts capable of undermining the integrity and unity of our great nation,” he said.
The governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Enugu State Ministry of Education, Mrs Nwanneka Onah, enjoined corps members to not only accept their postings in good fate but to identify with the problems and the aspirations of their host communities.
“My dear corps members, as you are about to move into your places of primary assignment, it is pertinent to remind you of the oath you took during your swearing in ceremony, to serve in any part of the state that you may be posted and to identify with the problems and the aspirations of the people. It is in this regard that I urge you to accept your posting as divine and work diligently for the benefit of your host communities, the state and the country at large.
“Community development is one of the cardinal programme of the NYSC scheme through which corps members have contributed to the development of the country. Your predecessors have made huge impact and left commendable legacies all over the country through CDS projects.
“I implore you to emulate their footsteps when you get to your places of primary assignment. I assure you that your efforts will be rewarded as Enugu State has a track record of honouring corps members who perform exceptionally well during the service year.
“Permit me to also add that your self improvement is a duty to yourself, your family and the nation. In this regard you must continue the skills acquisition and entrepreneurship trainings embraced in your places of assignment to prepare yourselves adequately for self employment after service,” he added.
In an address, the Enugu State NYSC coordinator, Mr Steven Gabriel Dewan, praised the Corps members for displaying a high level of discipline, urging them to coexist peacefully with their host communities.
“Your Excellency, I am happy to inform you that we had a very successful Orientation exercise. The corps members were responsive to training and demonstrated a high level of enthusiasm in all the camp activities. The level of discipline they exhibited equally facilitated the easy administration of the camp.
“My dear corps members, the Nation that has called you up for service expects so much from you and must never fail the citizens of this great nation. Let the motto of the NYSC be your guiding principle all through the duration of your service.
“Once more I urge you to love and coexist peacefully with members of your host community. As much as possible, try and make positive impact by it better than you met it. Get integrated into the community; learn the language and culture of the people,” he noted.
About 2,235 corps were posted to different local government areas of the state where they are expected to undergo their one year compulsory service to the nation.
