Anambra State has presented its youth skills programmes to 1,650 National Youth Service Corps members as they begin their service year in the state.
The corps members were sworn in on Friday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, in Awka South Local Government Area.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, represented by his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, told the graduates to use their time in Anambra to gain useful skills, meet people from different backgrounds and contribute to Nigeria.
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The governor also told them not to lose faith in Nigeria because of the difficulties facing the country. He said young Nigerians had a part to play through their skills, ideas, discipline and public service.
The message came as the state presented programmes such as the 1Youth 2 Skills programme and the Solution Innovation District as opportunities corps members could explore during their stay.
State presents youth opportunities
Soludo told the corps members that their experience in Anambra should not end with the three-week orientation programme.
He said they could explore their talents and learn from the state’s culture, economy and people during their service year.
“Some former corps members who served in Anambra, had decided to remain in the state after completing their service because of the opportunities they found here,” he said.
“Anambra is a state driven by enterprise and self-reliance, corps members are free to explore their talents and contribute to the state’s growing economy.”
The governor also said the state had several skills acquisition programmes designed to help young people become self-reliant.
He assured the corps members that their safety was important to the state government.
“We also assured the corps members that their safety remained a priority for the government. The state will continue to work with NYSC authorities to make their stay comfortable and memorable, while encouraging them to learn from Anambra’s culture, economy and people,” he said.
Soludo said the NYSC scheme gives young Nigerians an opportunity to serve outside their home states and understand people from different backgrounds.
He reminded the corps members of the pledge they had made to serve “under the rain and sunshine”.
“We don’t have any other country than Nigeria. I urge the corps members not to lose hope in Nigeria despite the challenges facing the country. The young graduates should believe in the country and in their own ability to make a difference,” he said.
“There is reason for optimism, and Nigerians must continue to believe that the country could get things right.”
NYSC seeks better camp facilities
The NYSC State Coordinator, Pauline Ojisua, said 1,650 corps members had been registered for the orientation course.
She appealed to the Anambra State Government to help renovate and improve the female hostel, lecture hall and other important facilities at the camp.
Ojisua also told the corps members to remain disciplined and take part fully in camp activities.
She gave particular importance to the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, known as SAED.
The programme is designed to expose corps members to practical skills and entrepreneurship during their service year.
Ojisua reminded the graduates that their conduct during the service year could earn them state and national recognition.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports and Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board, Patrick Agha-Mba, described NYSC as an important tool for national unity, integration, leadership and community service.
Agha-Mba congratulated the corps members on completing their academic studies and beginning national service.
He said the orientation programme would equip them with leadership skills, resilience, discipline, teamwork and other practical abilities useful in their careers.
He told them to take SAED seriously because practical skills and entrepreneurship are important in a changing economy.
The commissioner also asked them to take part in Community Development Service and use their knowledge and talents to address real needs in places where they are posted.
He assured them that the state government would work with NYSC management, security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders to protect their welfare and safety.
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