Man donates storey-building apartment as corps members’ lodge

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

A renowned philanthropist in Akwa Ibom, Dr Jeremiah Udoh, has donated a storey building of 22 self-contained apartments and two common rooms to serve as corpers’ lodge for corps members serving at Obot Akara in Akwa Ibom.

The Akwa Ibom Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Chinyere Ekwe, disclosed this during the official opening/swearing-in of 2023 Batch B Stream 1 corps members at the National Youth Service Corps Orientation Camp, Ikot Itie Udung in Nsit Atai Local Government Area on Friday.

Ekwe said the apartment is tastefully furnished with beddings, curtains, reading tables, chairs, upholstery seats and kitchen utensils for corps member’s comfort.

She commended the Udoh for his kind gesture and appealed to other well-meaning indigenes of Akwa Ibom to emulate the gesture.

“I will like to use this medium to further appreciate Dr Jeremiah Udoh, a renowned philanthropist and indigene of Obon Ukwa Community in Obot Akara LGA, who single-handedly built a twin-storey building of 22 self-contained apartments and two common rooms.

“Tastefully furnished with beddings, curtains, reading tables, chairs, upholstery seats and kitchen utensils for corps members serving at Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Obon Ukwa in Obot Akara his alma mater. 

“In fact, the corpers’ lodge is the best in Akwa lbom State. I implore other good-spirited philanthropists and corps employers to emulate this noble gesture.

The state coordinator added that a total of 1, 565 corps members made up of 703 males and 862 females have been registered and ready for their orientation.

She urged the corps members to avail themselves of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme of the NYSC as it was packaged to provide them with a veritable platform to overcome post-service year challenges of unemployment. 

“I implore you therefore to key into it and take the in-camp SAED training very seriously for your own benefit.

“I urge the corps members to internalise the ideals of the national service as enshrined in the oath of allegiance.

“I also encourage you to study all publications issued to you at the point of your documentation, obey all camp rules and regulations and participate actively in all camp activities.

Ekwe expressed her profound appreciation to the state government for the love and care towards NYSC Scheme in the State.

The state coordinator appealed to the state government not to relent in improving on the camp infrastructure as the camp is not connected to the national grid, for regular power supply.

She commended all heads of security organisations in the state and other collaborating agencies for their maximum support and synergy to the NYSC, adding that it has contributed to the successful implementation of their programmes.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatoye Durosinmi, assured the corps members of safety throughout the years of service in the state.

He urged them not to engage in any activity that would endanger their lives and safety when they are posted to the place of primary assignment.

“Do not join cultism or engage in drugs to enhance your energy while in the place of primary assignment.

“Endeavor to write your name in gold by making a positive impact. Say no to travelling, we have lost so many people in that means.

“I want to assure you that you are in safe hands. We will do our best to protect your lives,” CP said.

The high point of the ceremony was the administration of the oath of allegiance on the corps members by Justice Gabriel Ette, who represented the Chief Judge, Justice Ekaete Obot.