By Aliyu DANLADI
A total of 1,714 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Monday took the oath of allegiance in the Batch C Stream II orientation course in Kwara.
The NYSC Coordinator in the state, Mrs Ikupolati Tosin, said during the oath-taking that the NYSC members were made up of 878 females and 837 males.
The swearing in took place at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp at Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara.
The oath was administered by Justice S.A. Oyinloye.
Ikupolati said the orientation course marked the beginning of the induction, training and development of the youths after graduating from various institutions of learning.
“It also marks the beginning of yet another phase in their lives. Therefore, I sincerely congratulate you all for your laudable achievement,” she added,
The coordinator told the corps members that there would be strict observance of regimentation in all activities during the three-week programme.
“The orientation course would also include training in physical fitness and mental alertness, lectures, social and sporting activities which would equip you for the challenges during and after the service year.
“You are therefore strongly advised to conform accordingly and also ensure active participation in all camp activities while living harmoniously with one another,’’ she said.
She urged them to exhibit the same commitment to duty that would be assigned to them in the course of the national service.
The coordinator, however, called on the state government and other public-spirited individuals to assist in solving the challenges the camp was still facing.
According to her, the camp lacks a perimeter fence, making the camp insecure for the corps members and camp officials.
She also called for measures to ease the perennial shortage of water in the camp.
Kupolati commended Senate President Bukola Saraki for renovating four hostels, the camp clinic and providing meal subsidy for the corps members.
Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed, who declared the camp open, advised the corps members to take advantage of the orientation programme and adapt to the new environment.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education Saadudeen Alikinla, also congratulated the corps members on successful completion of their studies.
He said that the government would continue to provide support for the NYSC.
“The current situation of the camp will soon be a thing of the past when all facilities are fixed,” Ahmed said.
He also assured the corps members that the N5, 000 local monthly allowance for corps members serving in the state would be paid by the end of the month.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board, Alhaji Muyideen Alalade, said the call to service of the corps members was timely as the country requires their knowledge in tackling the numerous challenges facing the nation.
“This indeed underscores the relevance of the NYSC scheme which is aimed at integrating our youths toward attaining national cohesion and genuine unity throughout the federation,” he said.
The chairman, who is also Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, commended the corps members for their prompt response to the national call to serve the nation.
