National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have been charged to live up to the dream of the founding fathers of the scheme by fostering unity, national integration and socio-economic development across the nation.
This charge was contained in the farewell address delivered by the Governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola at the passing out ceremony of the 2021 Batch A Stream II NYSC members deployed to Osun State at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Ede on Thursday.
Oyetola who was represented by Wole Oyebamiji, the Secretary to the State Government, praised the NYSC members for their sundry services to their host communities, noting that it would serve as a testimonial to the worthy cause of the scheme in the nation’s stability and greatness.
In his words, “I have no doubt that the NYSC scheme has awakened us to the capabilities of our youths in the onerous task of nation-building. The various contributions of the corps members passing out today would remain monumental to the nation’s greatness.
“From all indications, your distinguished service has greatly impacted the socioeconomic landscape of Osun State, especially in the rural communities where a majority of you served.”
While appreciating the immense contributions of the corps members in the various communities, Oyetola revealed that there was no community in the state where their presence was not felt.
The Osun Governor charged the out gone corps members to be employers of labour rather than job seekers.
“I want to charge you to be employers of labour and not job seekers. Do not neglect the skills you have acquired during the course of your service but ensure you add value to yourself and the larger society by utilising the skills acquired.
“I expect you as trained elites to step down the various training and life-changing lessons you have acquired during your sojourn in the state to the younger generation.”
The governor also urged them to use the digital space to their advantage and that of humanity adding that they should be tech-savvy entrepreneurs who commit to continuous development, learning effective communication and problem-solving.
Meanwhile, the Osun NYSC State Coordinator, Winifred Shokpeka disclosed that 1051 males and 1243 females, making a total of 2294 corps members who had served meritoriously in the state were passing out.
Shokpeka also disclosed that 11 absconders and 16 corps members have their service year extended for contravening the Bye-Laws guiding the one-year mandatory service.
The Osun NYSC State Coordinator charged them to inculcate the tradition of discipline, hard work and self-reliance as there was no shortcut on the road to success.