Diri to make Bayelsa ‘Home away from Home’ for NYSC members

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

Gov Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has assured corps members posted to Bayelsa that his administration will make the state a home away from home during and after their service year.

Diri made this known during the 2024 Batch B, Stream 1 closing ceremony at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Boro Town of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.

The governor said he will provide one of the best welfare packages for corps members and will continue exploring ways to enhance their welfare and security.

The Secretary to the State Government/Chairman, NYSC State Governing Board, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, who represented Diri, advised them to hold onto their dreams and aspirations and work towards achieving them.

He reminded them that service year in Bayelsa will not merely be to fulfil a requirement, but to make a lasting impact through their primary assignment and community development service.

He urged the good people of the state to accept corps members, assist them to settle down and teach them the language and culture of the host communities.

He further urged them to be role models to other youths, students and pupils and mentor them to be responsible citizens and future leaders.

He cautioned employers against rejections without genuine reasons and corps members against induced rejections.

He welcomed them to the state, congratulated them for a successful orientation course, wished them a satisfying service year and declared the programme closed.

Earlier, the State Coordinator, Mrs Charity Okpalifo urged the corps members to promptly report to their respective places of primary assignments and settle down for national service in the state.

She also warned them against engaging in actions that would put their lives in danger and negatively affect their service year.

She highlighted the four cardinal programmes of the scheme which include orientation, primary assignment, secondary assignment and winding up/passing out parade.

She emphasised that the orientation programmes remain pivotal to a successful service year.

She reminded them that the primary assignment runs simultaneously with Community Development Service and urged them to identify the felt needs of the host community and initiate and execute viable CDS projects that will address such needs to leave a legacy beneficial to the people.

Okpalifo assured them that the Bayelsa government and the NYSC, have put together a reward system for corps members who distinguished themselves during the service year.

“Build upon the foundations you have acquired during the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) in-camp training to improve on your chosen skill as some of your predecessors who heeded the wise counsel by also participating in the SAED Post-camp training are today’s business owners, doing very well in their various business endeavours.

“They are contributing positively to the growth of Nigeria ‘s economy,” she said.

She further enjoined them to consider national interest above tribal and sectional affiliations as that put Nigeria on the steady path of development.

She expressed sincere gratitude to the Bayelsa government for its commitment to the welfare and security of the corps members.

She equally appreciated collaborating partners and camp officials for their team spirit, display of emotional intelligence and commitment throughout the orientation programme. She called on all Corps Employers and traditional rulers in the state to ensure that corps lodges were habitable and secured for corps members.