By Esther Okoi, CRS-MOI Officer Reporting from
Ministry of Youth and Skills Acquisitions
The Cross River State Governor, Sen. (Prof.) Ben Ayade has described the 2020 Batch A stream 1 Corps Members deployed to the State as young patriotic Nigerians committed to making positive contributions towards National growth and development.
Governor Ayade who stated this at the swearing in ceremony of the 2020 Batch ‘A’ stream 1 Corps Members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Obubra, also noted that, “even in the face of dwindling resources and a recession that has limited our desire to do more for the NYSC, we consider the scheme as major partner in our development efforts.”
The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Skills Acquisition, Hon. Signor Omang Idiege, pointed out that the presence of Corps Members in almost every facet of life in the State is a proof that the NYSC remains essential and relevant in the society, adding that “the scheme has remained a beacon of hope in the country’s march towards a United Nation while exposing youths to the cultures and traditions of our pluralistic society.”
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to empowering youths with responsibilities and resources to make them independent, self-reliant and productive members of the society through a continued collaboration with the NYSC in the State to ensure that interests in Skills Acquisitions are expanded and projected.
He admonished the Corps Members on the importance to familiarize themselves with the cultures and tradition of the State and applauded their commitment to hardwork and obedience to constituted authority while pledging the continued support of the State to the scheme and considering a holistic approach to upgrading the camp to one of the best in the country.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Skills Acquisitions and the Chairman, NYSC Governing Board, Hon. Signor Omang Idiege who was represented by the Director of Administration in the Ministry, Chief Egbala Edom, congrtauled the Corps Members for having graduated from their various institutions of higher learning, urging them to identify any area of the State’s projects, programmes and activities where their talents can bring positive results and key into them for the purpose of making the State a better place mostly for the dwellers in the rural communities.
The Commissioner who described the Corps Members as a crack team of passionate professionals who are determined to go the extra mile in the service of their fatherland, challenged them to brace up to the huddles they are likely to encounter during their service year and prepare their minds towards serving and staying in Cross River State in the spirit of sacrifice and patriotism.
Speaking earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Alhaji Mohammed Nakamba who informed that One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Four (1,804) Corps Members had been registered for the 2020 Batch ‘A’ stream 1 noted that for over 46 years, the scheme has continuously mobilised graduates towards building untity and national integration.
Alhaji Nakamba charged the Corps Members to make friends and good relationships that will further their lives while learning about Cross River State, adding that the warmth and hospitality in the State should be relished and imbibed by the Corps Members.
Highpoints of the swearing in ceremony of the Corps Members was the administration of oath by the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Maurice Eneji who was represented by Justice Emmanuel Obua in the presence of representatives of various Service Commanders in the State.
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