Oborevwori Solicits More Private Sector Investment in NYSC Operations

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

As the programmes and activities of  the 50-year old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme have evolved into an expansive and much more complex system for the promoting patriotic culture among the nation’s youth and future leaders, there is the need to have more investment from the private sector and employers to complement government’s efforts.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State made the assertion on Tuesday at the opening and swearing-in of the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream 2 Orientation Course for 2,373 prospective corps members deployed to Delta State, at the state NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state.

Delta State Chief Judge, Hon Justice Theresa Diai, represented by Justice Celestina I.Dafe, administered the Oath of Allegiance to the NYSC-members at a solemn ceremony at the orientation camp.

While urging the Corps members to submit themselves to the rules, regulations and variegated training programmes during their three-week orientation course, Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Agbateyiniro Weyinmi Isaac, said there was a lot of assistance the private sector players could offer to strengthen the scheme for better performance.

Oborevwori said, “We are requesting the private sector and corps employers to invest in NYSC operations, supporting community development service projects and providing conducive environments at places of primary assignment.”

While congratulating them for safe arrival in camp for the commencement of the orientation five days ago, after successes in their respective academic programmes, the governor urged the corps members to have an open mind and brace up for life of national service in a largely new environment.

“The orientation course is designed to instill in you the necessary skills and leadership values to arm you for a successful participation in this one-year programme. I urge you to settle down and actively engage

in the various activities of the orientation course.”

He encouraged them to focus more the numerous benefits of the diverse training they would be exposed to than the rigour and discomfort they would experience in the camp as they prepare to face life outside the four walls of their different institutions.

“Your commitment during this orientation will pave the way for the skills needed in subsequent phases.While the training on camp may be demanding, its benefits are invaluable. A good example is the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, which offers you an opportunity to learn skills that will make you both employable and potential employers. We are requesting the private sector and corps employers to invest in NYSC operations, supporting community”,  Oborevwori stated.

In his welcome address, the State Coordinator, NYSC Delta State, Mr Alao Olusegun Olaosebikan, charged them to take full advantage of the well-designed orientation course, stressing that the objective was based on the principles and ideals of the scheme.

While  expressing appreciation for the consistent support rendered by the Delta State Government, including the recent upgrade of facilities in the camp, Olaosebikan appealed for assistance in the provision of perimeter fencing of the orientation camp.

“The orientation exercise, which is a foundational programme of the scheme, is set to span three weeks. Throughout this period, Corps members will engage in lectures that cover the ideals of the NYSC Scheme, national core values, culture and traditions of the good people of Delta State, security, professional lectures and more.

“The Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development training is a crucial component, designed to foster the interest of Corps-members in various development service projects and providing conducive environments at primary assignment locations.

“The upgraded camp facilities reflect the high regards that the government and people of Delta State have for you. I urge you to prepare diligently to serve with dedication and patriotism.”

The Chairman of the State NYSC Board and Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Administration, Government House Asaba, Mr. Henry Onyeukwu.