Akpan Umoh, Uyo
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has urged the 2023 Batch B Stream 11 corps members posted to the state to promote the unity of the nation as future leaders.
Eno said this during the official closing ceremony for the corps members held at the permanent orientation camp at Ikot Itie Udung in Nsit Atai Local Government Area on Tuesday.
The governor, who was represented by Mr Emmanuel Akpabio, Director, Youths Development in the Ministry of Youths and Sports said that the country required young men and women who are loyal, and patriotic to ensure the unity of the country.
He urged the corps members to endeavour to co-exist mutually with their host communities and refrain from any action that would offend their sensibilities.
He challenged them to inculcate entrepreneurial spirit so that they could be employers of labour rather than job seekers.
“My dear gentlemen corps members, Nigeria can only become the country of our dreams if we do not allow those divisive tendencies to influence our approach to national issues.
“As young Nigerians, I admonish you to guard your minds against negative narratives that will not promote unity and development.
“As future leaders, I encourage you to have big dreams for yourselves and for the country,” Eno said.
Eno urged them to be of good conduct as the state government would continue to reward corps members who distinguished themselves during the service year.
He commended the corps members for the discipline exhibited during the orientation course.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Chinyere Ekwe, warned the corps members against unauthorised journeys and to avoid night travels.
Ekwe urged the corps members to remain focused and shun acts capable of bringing the name of their institutions, family, NYSC and the nation into disrepute.
She admonished corps members to be law-abiding, disciplined and security-conscious as they sojourn in the state.
“Let me warn you against unauthorised journeys. If you are permitted to travel, you must avoid night journeys.
“Be conscious of your security, contact law enforcement agencies as well as your Local Government Inspectors when under threat,” Ekwe said.
Ekwe urged the corps members to take the post-camp training very seriously as it is the gateway to job creation and self-employment.
She charged the corps members to show commitment to duties in their place of primary assignment if they must excel during the service year.