By Anne Azuka
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with the necessary resources, encouragement, and enabling environment to foster progress within the scheme.
The governor made this known during the Formal Opening and Swearing-In Ceremony of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II Orientation Course for Corps Members deployed to Delta State. The event took place at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Issele-Uku, in Aniocha North Local Government Area.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, Governor Oborevwori disclosed that the State Government has sensitized and mobilized stakeholders, including local communities, to prioritize the security and welfare of Corps Members serving in Delta State.
He also appealed to the private sector and other Corps employers to invest in the NYSC by sponsoring community development service projects undertaken by Corps Members. According to the governor, such initiatives will not only enhance the living standards of host communities but also positively engage the youths.
Declaring the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II Orientation Course open, the governor encouraged the newly deployed Corps Members to actively participate in all scheduled camp activities.
“The induction into the culture and traditions of Delta State, citizenship and leadership training, drills, and group activities such as sports are designed to engage and challenge you positively,” he stated.
He further reassured the Corps Members of the government’s commitment to improving the camp facilities.
“Our goal is to transform the NYSC camp here in Issele-Uku into one of the best in terms of capacity and facilities. With God on our side and adequate financial resources, we shall achieve this objective,” he expressed.
On his part, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chairman of the NYSC Delta State Governing Board, Dr. Kingsley Emu, urged the Corps Members to fully engage in the orientation programmes, emphasizing their value for personal development.
Dr. Emu encouraged them to embrace the physical and psychological training designed to prepare them for the challenges ahead.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of NYSC Delta State, Mr. John Kwaghe, revealed that a total of 2,159 Prospective Corps Members had been registered in the camp. This figure includes 993 males and 1,166 females.
Kwaghe also highlighted challenges affecting the scheme’s operations in Delta State, including the absence of a dedicated NYSC State Secretariat, a lack of utility vehicles for Corps Member inspections, and the need for an official vehicle for the State Coordinator.
He appealed to the governor for assistance in providing essential resources, including an ambulance to support the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme, a 150 KVA generator for the Orientation Camp, and other logistical needs as previously pledged by the governor.
