The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) recently recorded another milestone in nation building when 30 Benue youths, including 10 prison inmates graduated from a 14-day intensive training on solar energy installation.
The training which was organized by Corps member Martin Aaron Ibiam (BN/17A/1465) took place in Otupko, Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue state. At the closing ceremony of the training, the organizer, an Electrical and Solar Engineer by profession in a welcome remark pointed out that the lesson he received on Community Development Service during orientation course was the key factor that motivated him to initiate the programme.
He equally said that the passion he has for youth empowerment, as well as his desire to leave a lasting legacy in his community of service, also inspired him to embark on the project.
The young man thanked all the people that contributed in one way or the other to the successful completion of the training.
Speaking at the occasion, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Eno Herbert AwakEssien, represented by Otukpo Zonal Inspector, Mr. Teidu Jacob commended Engineer Ibiam for building on the foundations laid by his predecessors in national service.
The State Coordinator challenged other Corps members to follow Engineer Ibiam’s footsteps in order to leave indelible marks in their communities of service. Also speaking, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council, Honourable George Alli appreciated the Corps member for empowering youths from his domain to become self-reliant and also employers of labour.
Honourable Alli who was represented by the Vice Chairman, Honourable Inalegwu Adakonye further stated that this initiative has automatically taken the benefiting youths off the streets.
He urged them to step down the training to other idle youths across the Local Government Area or even beyond, promising that the local government will support the process of enlarging the skill training to more beneficiaries.
During the ceremony, the youths exhibited the various skills they acquired from the training.