By Dayo Johnson, Akure

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of his administration to the welfare, safety and empowerment of corps members deployed across the  State.

Aiyedatiwa said this at the swearing-in ceremony for the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream II corps members, at the Ikare-Akoko Orientation Camp, in Ondo state.

Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mrs. Tolu Adeyemi, the governor, said “We are committed to the welfare, security and general empowerment of corps members,” 

The governor applauded the NYSC scheme for its critical role in fostering national cohesion through cultural integration and inter-ethnic understanding.

He urged corps members to embrace the core values of the scheme and to participate actively in the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.

Aiyedatiwa noted that “The future belongs to the empowered. SAED is a tool to shape that future. Engage it. Own it. Use it,”

He also hinted the government plan to embark on infrastructural upgrades at the Ikare-Akoko Orientation Camp, assuring that his administration remains steadfast in providing a safe, conducive and enabling environment for the scheme in the state.

In his earlier welcome address, the Acting Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board who was represented by the Director, Youth Development, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mrs. Catherine Okukpe said that the new corps members have joined a prestigious lineage of nation-builders.

 Okukpe emphasized that in the corps members’ hands lies the torch of hope and urged them to serve with courage, humility and honour.

He assured them of the state’s readiness to safeguard their welfare and security and encouraged them to serve as good ambassadors while immersing themselves in the cultural richness of their host communities.

 The Chairman also commended the NYSC Ondo State Coordinator, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, for upholding high operational standards.

In her remarks, the Coordinator, Mrs.  Bakare, appealed to the state government for further infrastructural development, especially additional hostel facilities, and called on employers to extend adequate support to corps members posted to their establishments.

 She outlined the components of the orientation course, emphasizing leadership training, civic education, SAED activities and military drills.

The state Director,reiterated the importance of discipline and full participation while promising a balanced experience of work and recreation.

The ceremony was graced by top government officials, traditional leaders, security agencies and community stakeholders, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to the success of the orientation course and NYSC scheme in the state.