The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Wamakko, Sokoto State, buzzed with activity as the 2024 Batch C Stream II corps members were officially sworn in, marking the commencement of their year-long national service. Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, in a speech delivered by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mustapha Muhammad, extended a warm welcome to the corps members and emphasized the pivotal role they play in fostering national unity and integration. He urged them to embrace the diversity of the nation and view their deployment to Sokoto as an opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of the state and the country as a whole. The governor’s address underscored the importance of the NYSC scheme in shaping the future of Nigerian youth and its significant contribution to nation-building.
Governor Aliyu commended the corps members for their patriotic zeal in answering the call to national service, highlighting the historical significance of their decision. He acknowledged the demanding nature of the three-week orientation program, emphasizing the need for strength, discipline, tolerance, and sacrifice. These qualities, he noted, would not only enable them to successfully complete the orientation but also serve as a solid foundation for their future endeavors. The governor reiterated the undeniable relevance of the NYSC in contemporary Nigeria, urging the corps members to uphold the scheme’s noble objectives and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress. He assured them of his administration’s commitment to their safety and well-being throughout their service year.
The governor’s address also touched upon the crucial role of security agencies and community leaders in creating a conducive and secure environment for the corps members to thrive. He called upon these stakeholders to collaborate and ensure the safety and welfare of the corps members, allowing them to focus on their primary assignment of national service. Furthermore, Governor Aliyu emphasized his administration’s dedication to youth empowerment through skill acquisition programs. He recognized the potential of these programs to unlock the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of young people, ultimately contributing to the economic development of Sokoto State.
The NYSC State Coordinator, Yakubu Usman, echoed the governor’s sentiments, advising the corps members to embrace discipline and adapt to the structured environment of the orientation camp. He explained that the rigorous training and activities were designed to equip them physically and mentally for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The coordinator emphasized the importance of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program, urging the corps members to actively participate and acquire valuable skills that would empower them for self-reliance and economic independence.
Usman highlighted the transformative potential of the SAED program, emphasizing its capacity to equip corps members with practical skills and entrepreneurial knowledge, enabling them to create their own opportunities and contribute to the nation’s economic growth. He expressed gratitude to Governor Aliyu and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar III, for their unwavering support and commitment to the success of the NYSC scheme in the state. Their continued support, he noted, played a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the orientation camp and the overall well-being of the corps members.
The swearing-in ceremony marked a significant milestone for the corps members, signifying their formal induction into the NYSC scheme. As they embarked on their service year, they were charged with the responsibility of upholding the ideals of national unity, integration, and development. The orientation program served as a crucial preparatory phase, equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset to contribute meaningfully to their host communities and the nation as a whole. The emphasis on skill acquisition and entrepreneurship further underscored the NYSC’s commitment to empowering young people and preparing them for a future of self-reliance and economic independence. The combined efforts of the government, the NYSC management, and community leaders aimed to create a supportive and enabling environment for the corps members to thrive and make a lasting impact during their service year.
