Our correspondent reports that the 1,570 corps were sworn in on Tuesday at the Orientation Camp, in Amada Akko Local Government Area by the Gombe Chief Judge, Halima Mohammed, who was represented by Justice Durabo Sikam.
Declaring the orientation course open, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Inuwa Ibrahim, said the government was partnering with security agencies to ensure that the visitors enjoyed hitch-free stay in the state.
The governor said, “May I also appreciate all stakeholders and collaborating agencies for the continuous support in providing the necessary enablement for the actualisation of the scheme’s mandate especially in areas of security and welfare of Corps Members, it has also, enhanced the smooth operational proceedings of the Scheme.
“Once again, Gombe State is peaceful, enjoy your Orientation programme without fear or favour, and rest assured that, the 11 LGAs of Gombe State await to warmly receive you into their fold as the government too, has put in place security measures to ensure your safety, welfare and general well-being.”
He admonished the corps members to exercise patience as the government deploys the necessary machinery in place to complete its permanent orientation camp, adding “The government is not unaware of the challenges associated with a temporary camp location but, exercise a little more patience as in no distant time, the Permanent Orientation Camp at Boltongo will be completed with a magnificent state of art edifice to welcome you to the Jewel in the Savannah.”
The governor also urged the 1,570 corp members against getting involved in vices capable of tarnishing their image, stressing the need for them to be circumspect.
“I also, implore you to maintain the camp rules and regulations, shun all forms of negative vices capable of truncating your future and denting your image, that of the Scheme, Institutions of study, families, host State, and the Nigerian youth at large,” Yahaya added.
Also speaking, the Coordinator, of the National Youth Service Corps Gombe State, Dawut Jidda, told the corps members that the essence of the three-week orientation is to inculcate discipline and leadership skills in participants.
He said, “My dear compatriots, welcome on board national service in Gombe State. The orientation course which you are currently undergoing, is an induction programme to train you adequately for the journey ahead and formerly usher you into the service year.
“The program is highly regimented comprising physical training, intellectual/motivational lectures, sports, and social activities as well as the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.
“The programmes are carefully packaged for your information and education. You will be introduced to healthy competitions on an interplatoon basis and drafted into the administrative operations of the Camp to inculcate in you, the spirit of sportsmanship, discipline, and leadership skills required for the Camp management, service year and beyond.”
