Posted by A total of 1,565 corps members from the 2023 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been sworn in in Akwa Ibom State.
There are 862 women and 703 men among the 1,565 members of the Corps.
The Chief Judge of the State, Justice Ekaette Obot, represented by Justice Gabriel Ette, administered the oath of allegiance to the Corps members and commanded them to uphold the law and refrain from engaging in any actions that would put their lives in jeopardy.
The NYSC State Coordinator, Chinyere Ekwe, thanked the Corps members for a successful swearing-in ceremony and informed them about the NYSC’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program, saying it was designed to give them a real platform to overcome the challenges of unemployment after their service year. She also urged them to take advantage of it and seriously engage in the in-camp SAED training.
She also thanked all of the state’s security organization leaders and other cooperating organizations for providing the NYSC with their full support and cooperation, noting that this had helped them carry out their programs successfully.
She said, “Your Excellency Sir, a total of 1,565 corps members have been registered, consisting of 703 males and 862 ladies. I’m happy to report to you, sir, that these young Nigerians have adapted swiftly to the rigorous lifestyle in the camp.
“Excellency Sir, We Remain Grateful For The Unwavering Interest Of The State Government In The Scheme, Of Note Is The Regular Provision Of Cash For Corps Members For Their Transportation Fare, Refreshments To Corps Members And Camp Officials During Orientation And Regular Payment Of Corp Allowances In The State During Their National Service.”
Mrs. Ekwe pledged to continue supporting all of the state government’s policies and programs while attributing the willingness of potential corps members to serve in Akwa Ibom to a tranquil environment and welfare benefits provided by the state government.
However, she commended Dr. Jeremiah Udoh, a native of the Obon Ukwa Community, for erecting a twin-story structure with 22 self-contained apartments and 2 common rooms, each furnished with bedding, curtains, reading tables, chairs, upholstery seats, and kitchen utensils for corps members working at his alma mater, Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Obon Ukwa, and urged others to imitate the gesture.
Ekwe also encouraged the state government to take action against the camp’s outdated infrastructure problems and lack of access to the national grid for power.
“May I at this time inform our amiable Governor that our camp is faced with countless difficulties that call for immediate attention,” she said. The enormous obstacles we face include the outdated infrastructure, the inadequate and dilapidated hostels, and the lack of power from the national grid for the past two years, which has forced us to rely solely on diesel and fuel to run the generators that provide light and pump water for the camp’s needs. These difficulties have a significant financial impact on our limited resources.
“In addition, the camp is completely black after light out, which presents a significant security concern. The State Coordinator constructed a solar energy light, but it is utterly insufficient to illuminate the entire camp. The chairs are also insufficient to hold the growing number of corps members sent to the state.
In his goodwill message, CP Olatoye Durosinmi, the commissioner of police, reassured the corps members of their safety and asked them not to join cults or engage in any risky behavior.
Do not join a cult or use drugs to increase your energy at your primary assignment site. Strive to leave a lasting impression by having a positive influence. Say no to travel; I want to reassure you that you are safe because we have lost so many people recently. To defend your life, we’ll do everything we can. The Commissioner gave comfort.