Oborevwori Harps on Role of NYSC in Deepening Democratic Governance

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as veritable vehicle for harnessing Nigeria’s diverse human and natural resources towards national cohesion, unity and development.

Oborevwori also said that the mandatory national youth scheme should be utilised in deepening democratic governance in the country.

Although, the youths are often regarded as “leaders of tomorrow,” the NYSC scheme gives young graduating youths the opportunity to imbibe fundamental leadership culture that thrived on the virtues of consensus-building, patriotism and making personal sacrifices, the governor pointed out.

He made the remarks yesterday at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream I, NYSC Orientation Course, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The governor was represented by the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Johnbull N. Tonukari, at the formal opening ceremony of the three-week orientation exercise, which was attended by state government functionaries and traditional leaders.

Oborevwori said: “As youths, you have often been described as leaders of tomorrow. Leadership confers on you responsibility, mandate to initiate ideas and policies aimed at achieving set goals and objectives geared towards national cohesion and integration capable of lifting our dear country to noble and greater heights.

“At this moment of our national history, development and democratic governance, I appeal to you to be part of the vanguard for our hard-won democracy. Democracy and its ethos demand from us a spirit of give-and-take, a spirit of patience, tolerance and dialogue.

“Understanding and allowing those who hold contrary opinions to have their say are also vital to building consensus in heterogeneous society such as Nigeria. We should be all ready, therefore, to make sacrifices if we must enjoy the full dividends of democratic governance.”

The governor lauded the objectives of the NYSC and charged the young graduates to work earnestly towards the realisation of the 50-year old common vision of the scheme’s united and peaceful nation, “which stems from clear facts of history, under one geo-political entity known as Nigeria,” irrespective of ethnic, religious, sociological and economic backgrounds.

While calling on them to be dedicated and contribute to the development of the state without hesitation, Oborevwori said that “most of you have been posted outside your states and geographical regions to broaden your understanding of the various cultures and people within the Nigerian Federation. You should, therefore, strive to see the period of service as that of understanding and appreciating the cultural values of fellow Nigerians among who you are going to serve. I appeal to you do away with whatever negative opinions of fears you held before now about the state or your host community.”

In his welcome address, the Delta State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr. Alao O. Olaosebikan, appealed to the state government and stakeholders to provide an ambulance as well as the construction of perimeter fence for the State Permanent Orientation Camp in Issele-Uku.

Olaosebikan urged the new members to brace up for the necessary rigorous induction, regimented exercises and games during their stay in the camp, the state coordinator assured that the NYSC would give special attention to basic vocational education through intensive skills acquisition cum entrepreneurship training in various areas.

“More importantly, there will be an intensive skills acquisition training and entrepreneurship development aimed at equipping them (NYSC members) to become self-reliant as well as employers of labour during the service year and after. I, therefore, strongly encourage you to continue with the training after the Orientation Course,” he said.

Earlier, the Delta State Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Diai, who was represented by Justice Celestina I. Dafe, swore in the 1,815 new batch of NYSC members deployed to the state, after administering to them the National Pledge and the Oath of Allegiance to the Nation.