Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo has advised corps members in the state to establish farm and agricultural extension centres to strengthen government efforts at boosting food production.
The governor gave the advice at the formal closing of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2016 Batch “A” (Stream 11) orientation course for corps members deployed to the state.
The governor, who was represented by the Principal Secretary to his deputy, Mr Obinna Aharanwa, said the centres would create wealth for the people in the state.
He stressed the importance of agriculture to the nation’s economy, saying that the country could not afford to continue to rely on oil as her major economic earner.
Okorocha commended the NYSC for complementing government efforts at improving the standard of living of the people in the state for introducing Skills
Acquisition and Entrepreneur Development and the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers programmes.
He said programmes would improve the condition of living of the people in the rural areas.
The governor urged the corps members to be focused, disciplined and committed to their services, advising them to practice what they have learnt at the orientation camp.
Okorocha later announced a donation of a brand new bus to the NYSC in the state.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Isaac Fasanu, commended the governor for his support to the scheme in the state.
He urged them to be good ambassadors of the scheme in their places of primary assignment and commended them for their commitment and cooperation in the camp. (NAN)