1, 714 corps members take oath of allegiance in Kwara

A total of 1,714 prospective Corps members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Monday took oath of allegiance in the Batch C
(Stream II) orientation course in Kwara.

The NYSC Coordinator in the state, Mrs Ikupolati Esther 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 in Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area of Kwara, administered by the
state’s Chief Judge, represented by Justice S.A.  Oyinloye.

Ikupolati said the orientation marked the beginning of the induction, training and development of Nigerian Youths, who have successfully
passed through the four-walls of their various higher institution 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 State Coordinator told the corps members that there would be
strict observance of regimentation in all activities during the three
weeks orientation course.
She said “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 urged them to exhibit same commitment in duties that would be
assigned to them in the course of the national service.
The Coordinator called on the state government and other spirited
individuals to assist to solve the challenges the camp is still
facing.
According to her, the camp lacked perimeter fence, which she made the
orientation camp porous and insecure for the corps members and camp
officials.
She also called for provision of water either through boreholes or
water tankers to ease the perennial shortage of water in the camp.
Kupolati commended the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, for renovating
four hostels, camp clinic and meal subsidy for corps members.
She added that “I wish to solicit for the cooperation of camp
officials and corps members toward ensuring a hitch-free orientation.”
The state Governor, 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 from their various institutions.
He said that the government would continue to support the activities
of NYSC, stressing that “let me say at this juncture that government
is not unaware of the not-too-conducive conditions of our orientation
camp.
“However, the good news is that efforts are being made to improve on
the existing facilities.”
The Governor assured the corps members that government was making
effort to solve the problem of perimeter fence and shortage of water
in the camp.
“The current situation of the camp will soon be a thing of the past
when all facilities are fixed,” Ahmed told the corps members.
He also assured them 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 own remark, Chairman, NYSC Governing Board, Alhaji Muyideen
Alalade said the call to service of the corps members was timely as
the country required 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 towards 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.