The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Friday commended the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for its invaluable role and contributions to the just-concluded 2019 general elections.
Ambode gave the commendation at the 2019 Batch ‘A’ NYSC swearing-in ceremony at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos, NAN reports.
The governor was represented by Dr Jimoh Yusuf, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry Of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations.
He said that the success of the 2019 elections had further proven that the scheme was indeed an enduring legacy of its founding fathers.
“May I on this note, specially commend the National Youth Service Corps for its invaluable role and contributions to the just-concluded elections.
“Our political trajectory becomes more definite with the NYSC as an instrument of sustaining our democracy.
“Indeed, election in Nigeria has become better with the participation of the NYSC in its conduct, and this has been attested to by both foreign and local observers.
“My young compatriots, you are indeed the drivers of continuous and consistent development of our dear nation since the inception of the scheme in 1973.
“I therefore enjoin you to sustain the legacy of your predecessors in rendering selfless service to the nation,” Ambode said.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Umaru Al-Makura says National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members posted to the state are safe while serving in the state.
The governor gave the assurance on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of 2019 Batch `A’ corps members posted to the state at the Dan Yamusa Orientation Camp in Keffi Local Government Area of the state, NAN reports.
Al-Makura was represented by his deputy, Mr Silas Agara.
The governor said he was aware many of the corps members who were in the state for the first time might have come with different prejudices and impressions about the people of the state.
“Hence the need to reassure them (corps members) of the peaceful and hospitable disposition of the people of the state.
“I wish to assure you that our people are hospitable and peaceful. I, therefore, urge you to feel at home and integrate freely with our people.
“I assure you by the grace of God that your security is guaranteed in Nasarawa state throughout your service year,’’ he said.
The governor urged the corps members not to panic but to carry out their national duty with vigour and patriotism, while enjoying the hospitality of their host communities.
He also urged the corps members to participate fully in all camp activities so as to be acquainted with the culture, values, occupation and traditions of the people of the state.
“The three weeks’ exercise will also provide the requisite platform for your physical, mental, emotional and psychological conditions for the challenges of the service year ahead,’’ Al-Makura said.
The governor commended the scheme’s role in the success of the just-concluded 2019 general elections in the state and across the country.
He said that corps members did not only play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the elections but had over the years also contributed immensely to the success of other critical national programmes.
“Corps members contributed immensely to the success of other national programmes such as population census, environmental conservation and the fight against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), among others.
“Let me use this auspicious occasion to appreciate the enormous contributions of the serving corps members in Nasarawa State toward the success of the last elections across the nation.
“Ours here was very smooth and peaceful and this credit goes to the NYSC members who played a crucial role in making the process a success,’’ Al-Makura said.
