A’Ibom govt to improve on camp facilities, sustain welfare package

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has promised to improve critical facilities at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp and sustain a good welfare package for corps members.

Eno said this during the official opening/swearing-in ceremony for 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream ll Corps Members at the NYSC permanent orientation camp on Tuesday in Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai in Akwa Ibom.

The governor, who was represented by Mr Ifiok Duff, Director of Sport, Ministry of Youths and Sports Development said that the government’s resolve to improve the facilities of the camp remains unwavering.

“As a caring government, we will continue to do our best to meet your needs as well as to improve the facilities in the orientation camp.

“I wish to assure you that the government is determined to reward the efforts of corps members who strive to improve the socio-economic development of our state.

“The government will continue to recognise and appreciate every noble initiative and sustain its welfare packages for corps members,” he said.

He called on corps members to take orientation courses seriously and internalise the ideals of the nation as it is an integral part of the service year.

Earlier in her remarks, the State Coordinator of NYSC in Akwa Ibom, Mrs Chinyere Ekwe, urged corps members posted to Akwa Ibom to take the orientation course seriously as it is aimed at equipping them for nation-building.

Ekwe urged the corps members to take the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously as is packaged to provide them with a veritable platform to overcome the challenges of unemployment.

“May I at this juncture, remind you that the orientation course exercise is aimed at equipping you adequately for the task of nation-building and should not be abridged as it is a continuous exercise meant to prepare your physical and mental disposition for one year of national service.

“The NYSC Scheme has evolved through a lot of changes in its orientation course content and introduced the SAED Programme.

“This is to encourage self-reliance at the end of your service year. It is, therefore, important and necessary that you partake in the SAED programme throughout the duration of your orientation course and service as well,” Ekwe said.

Ekwe disclosed that about 2, 339 corps members were deployed to the state for the one-year national service, comprising of 1, 121 males and 1, 218 females.

She commended the state government for its unflinching support for the development of facilities in the orientation camp for the welfare of corps members.

The state coordinator admonished the corps members to be of exemplary conduct and internalise the ideals of national service as enshrined in the oath of allegiance.

Our correspondent reports that high point of the event was the administration of the Oath of Allegiance on the corps members by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom, Justice Ekaete Obot, represented by Justice Eme Ekong.