By Nahum Sule (Taraba State Correspondent, in Jalingo)
The Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, at the weekend, urged Corps members under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) currently under going orientation in the State to show high sense of responsibility during the course of their service year.
The governor said this during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2023 Batch B stream 1 corps members at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Sibre.
He stated that the success and survival of Nigeria as a country depends on their service to the country. He urged them to remain committed and dedicated to nation-building.
Governor Agbu who was represented by the Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs Napiya Clara Ibrahim, said that it is imperative for Youths to remain committed in whatever capacity they find themselves.
"I warmly welcome our esteemed young graduates who have been called up for the National Service from various parts of the country and deployed to Taraba State - Natures gift to the nation, to contribute their quota to the development of our beloved state Taraba State in particular and the nation at large.
"My dear compatriots, while I heartily congratulate you on the successful completion of your academic programmes which qualified you for mobilization for the National Youth Service, it is noteworty that the task ahead is enormous.
"Therefore, the Orientation Course is packaged to equip you with the physical and mental alertness needed for quality and patriotic service to your fatherland. I urge you to participate fully in all camp activities to enhance your readiness for the programme".
The governor further implored the corps members to cultivate a healthy relationship among themselves during and after the orientation exercise. He expressed his readiness to provide quality infrastructure and enabling environment for the Corps members.
"We are aware of the needs of the camp and I can promise that all the plans are in the pipeline to ensure that you have a conducive environment", governor Agbu stated.
Earlier, the Taraba State NYSC Coordinator, A.M. Nzoka, while appreciating the State Government's efforts in supporting the scheme, revealed that a total number of 1,593 prospective corps members are in the camp.
Additionally, Nzoka also congratulated the governor on his victory at the polls in order to "continue good governance". He also applauded the NYSC governing board for its support and contribution to the smooth running of the scheme.
The state coordinator urged the Corps members to "continue to be in good conduct, remain disciplined and dedicated.
"Permit me, Your Excellency, to inform you that at the onset of the rainy season this year, this orientation camp was hit by a devastating windstorm which severely damaged buildings and other facilities at the camp. Eight hostel blocks were partly de-roofed, electricity lines and installations were also badly affected.
"Furthermore, the camp is still reeling from the devastating effect of the looting occasioned by the 2020 EDSARS crisis. While we have done some palliative repairs, so much still remains to be done.
"We are however confident that, despite the myriads of problems which your young administration met on ground, succor will come our way", Nzoka said with optimism. NNL.
