The Gombe State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Chinwe Nwachuku, expressed gratitude towards the Gombe State government for its unwavering support in enhancing the feeding of corps members during their orientation program. This acknowledgment came during the swearing-in ceremony for the 2024 Batch C Stream I corps members in the temporary orientation camp at Amada, Akko Local Government Area. A total of 1,291 corps members, including 690 males and 601 females, were officially inducted into the NYSC program by the state Chief Judge, Halima Mohammed, who was represented by Justice Yahaya Abubakar. Nwachuku’s recognition highlighted the significance of the government’s commitment to the wellbeing of the youth and its investment in the national service program.
Nwachuku took the opportunity to extend her gratitude further, noting the state’s efforts in addressing the need for a permanent orientation camp. She expressed optimism regarding the development of a state-of-the-art facility, stating that this new camp would enhance the orientation experience for future corps members and help alleviate the pressures faced in temporary accommodations. She articulated her vision for the ideal camp, emphasizing that it would stand out as one of the best in the country if successfully completed. In this regard, she called upon the state government to stay true to its promise of constructing a permanent facility that would serve both the corps members and the NYSC scheme effectively.
In her address, Nwachuku underscored the crucial role of the NYSC in promoting national unity and cohesion among Nigerian youths. She highlighted that through the program, corps members would gain a greater understanding of the country and engage in collaborative efforts aimed at fostering friendship and peace. This shared experience is designed to instill a sense of common purpose and alignment with the broader vision of a prosperous Nigeria, reinforcing the NYSC’s overarching goal of national integration among the diverse ethnic groups in the country.
Addressing the corps members directly, Nwachuku emphasized the importance of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program introduced by the NYSC. Recognizing the challenges of the current job market, she urged the new corps members to seize the opportunity to develop their skills and foster self-reliance. Nwachuku articulated that acquiring skills aligned with entrepreneurial training would empower them in their future careers, promoting economic independence and resourcefulness. She encouraged them to actively participate in the training that would commence during the orientation camp, as it would be instrumental in preparing them for the competitive workforce.
Further emphasizing her commitment, Nwachuku assured that the NYSC management would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness and success of the SAED program. She expressed her belief that such initiatives would not only benefit the corps members but also contribute positively to the larger community and economy. By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency among the youth, the NYSC aims to empower young Nigerians to become active contributors to societal growth and development, particularly in an increasingly competitive economic landscape.
In closing, the event saw the Governor of Gombe State, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, extend a warm welcome to the corps members. He assured them of their safety throughout their service period in the state, reinforcing the government’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for the youths. The induction ceremony concluded with a shared vision of hope and determination among the corps members and officials, anticipating a fruitful orientation experience that would equip them for the responsibilities that lie ahead in their national service journey.
