The Governor of Ebonyi State in Southeast Nigeria, David Umahi has called on the youth to make national unity and integration a top priority.
The governor made this known during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2023 Batch ‘A’ Stream 2 youth corp members deployed to the state National Youth Service Corp NYSC Permanent orientation camp, Old Macgregor College, Afikpo North Local Government Area of the State.
The governor, represented by Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Charles Akpuenika said the expectations on the corp members were enormous as they were expected to be duty-bound to build on the enviable achievements of their predecessors, which patriotic efforts had sustained the NYSC scheme.
“We must co-exist to achieve this common goal irrespective of our cultural backgrounds. What we need is cooperation and teamwork to forge ahead.
“Every element of nepotism, tribalism, and ethnicity must be removed from among as a nation to progress. Unity and integration promote peace, economic development, and political stability and prevent all forms of corruption.”
While presenting her address, the State Coordinator, of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), Mrs. Mercy Bamai, told the 2023 Batch ‘A’ Stream II corps members that the three-week-long orientation exercise was packaged to instill in the corps members the disciplined mind and sense of self-reliance needed to face the challenges ahead.
She said: “At the end of the registration, a total of 1029 were registered, made up of 532 male, 497 female and I am happy to say that, since their arrival, they have been peaceful and orderly in their conduct, as well as adapting to the regimentation of the camp.
“Prospective gentlemen corps members, let me re-echo, that no act of indiscipline of any sort will be tolerated in this camp, so please be properly guided and read the NYSC Handbooks issued to you for a better understanding of every aspect of the service year, especially identifying the felt needs of your host communities and solving them.
“Better reward awaits the best corps members who impact positively in their host communities, so you are encouraged to look inwards and give back to the society to qualify for Presidential Honours Award or State Government Honours Award,“ she disclosed.
