Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia said on Wednesday that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) had succeeded in fostering national integration and development in its 43 years of existence.
In his address at the closing ceremony of the 2016 Batch ‘A’, Stream 2 orientation course at its permanent site at Umunna, Bende Local Government Area, Ikpeazu said the scheme had attained remarkable milestone in its mission of integration and development since 1973.
“We are proud that the scheme remains a true symbol of national unity, bringing together young people from various institutions and diverse cultures of the country,” he said.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Hagler Okorie, said the scheme helped the corps members to provide patriotic service to different parts of the country, away from their states of origin.
“The bond of friendship built during the service year has created opportunities for success in life and facilitated national integration and development.
“Indeed, some communities in the country depend on corps members for graduate teachers, doctors and other professionals to provide services which they could not have afforded,’’ he said.
He also said that the scheme had been deployed in the implementation of some major national programmes and assignments, which were ad hoc in nature.
Ikpeazu urged them to accept their postings for the primary assignment in good fate and assured them of adequate security for their lives and property as well as an enabling environment for them to operate in any part of the state.
He charged them to initiate “life-touching community development projects,” which would leave a lasting impression in the lives of their host communities.
In her speech, the Coordinator of NYSC in the state, Mrs Francesca Ifon, appealed to employers of corps members to accept them and create an enabling environment for them to excel.
“Treat them as your children and let their welfare be uppermost in your mind,” Ifon said.
She said that the posting of the corps members for their primary assignment was done in line with the rules and policies of the government and the law that established the scheme.
“A majority of you will be posted to the rural areas where your services are most needed. You should therefore accept your postings in good fate,’’ she said. (NAN)