By ZAKAA LAZARUS
In response to the yearnings of NYSC Management for a conducive Orientation Camp for the training of Corps Members, the Government of Niger State has promised to deliver a new orientation Camp to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) within the next twelve months.
The State Governor, Dr. Mohammed Umar Bago made the promise at a
groundbreaking ceremony for phase one of an ultramodern Permanent Orientation Camp at Paiko.
While appreciating the community for availing 8 hectares of land for the new Orientation Camp, the Governor said his administration had appropriated funds for the construction of the camp, which when completed, would rank among the best in the country.
“By the grace of God in 12 months from today, we will come back here and commission the phase one of this camp”.
“To the contractor, we don’t give job without money. The money for this job has been appropriated for, and there is no time for complaint or for delay”, he said.
Earlier, in his goodwill message, the NYSC director general, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu said the groundbreaking ceremony was a testament to the abiding faith that Niger State has in the NYSC, and its strong commitment to youth development and national unity.
He equally lauded the Government for its belief in the objectives of the NYSC over the years, and specifically expressed immense gratitude for the initiative to build a new Orientation Camp for Corps Members deployed to the State.
“The State Government has consistently supported our activities, provided welfare for Corps Members, and fostered an enabling environment for their service. Today’s groundbreaking ceremony further demonstrates this unwavering support to the Scheme by the State.”
“The new Permanent Orientation Camp which we are about to commence the groundbreaking ceremony, is a dream come true, it replaces one of the oldest and most challenging camps and from the brief we have all received today, it is designed to provide modern, secure and conducive facilities for the training and orientation of Corps Members”, he added.
General Nafiu also reminded the audience of the Scheme’s impactful contributions to nation building since 1973, and emphasized the role the Orientation Camp plays in molding Corps Members for National Service.
“The National Youth Service Corps has over the decades remained a beacon of hope, vanguard for national integration and melting pot for nurturing values of service, discipline and patriotism among our youths.”
“The Orientation Camp experience is the foundation upon which these ideals are built, and as a matter of fact, the Orientation Camp serves as the gateway for Corps Members into their States of deployment”.
“It is at the Orientation Camp that young Nigerian graduates drawn from across the country form bonds that transcend ethnic, religious and cultural boundaries”, he stated.
The Director General assured that NYSC will utilize the structures maximally in enhancing the comfort, safety and also boost the morale of Corps Members while they get prepared for posting to places of primary assignment.
Speaking further, he applauded Niger State for joining Lagos, Adamawa, and Gombe States in providing new Orientation facilities for Corps Members.
The NYSC boss used the medium to acknowledge traditional institutions, the people of Paiko and the entire Niger State for their hospitality and cooperation over the years, and reassured that Corps Members would continue to work diligently in fostering development across the State.
He called on Corps Members to embrace the opportunities that the NYSC offers and urged them to uphold the virtues of discipline, tolerance, patriotism and serve as worthy ambassadors of their families, alma maters and Nigeria.
