The Edo State Acting Governor, Philip Shaibu, has urged corps members to apply their creativity and entrepreneurial skills acquired during the compulsory one-year National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) to secure a means of livelihood and become employers of labour.
Shaibu said this during the passing-out parade of 2021 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 Corps members, held at Imaguero Secondary School in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The acting governor, who congratulated the corps members for the successful completion of the one-year programme, said it is proof of the endurance and abiding faith in the unity of Nigeria.
He said, “Your various contributions to the social development of Edo State in the areas of education, healthcare, agriculture, social service and rural infrastructure will be forever cherished by the government and the good people of Edo State and the country at large.
“I urge the corps members to utilize their experience gained during the service year and the available opportunities to establish small-scale enterprises which will make you self-employed and employers of labour.”
Shaibu urged, “Never allow yourself to be used for political, religious and tribal brawls but rather be good ambassadors of the scheme. As a nation, we are going through serious security problems and those used to perpetuate evils are youths. Rather than being a part of these, we should protect our nations as we are the leaders of tomorrow and the future belongs to us.”
Reassuring support for youths in the state, the acting governor further stated, “We place a high premium on youth development and abhor youth restiveness. This is why the welfare of corps members in our state is given due attention.”
Comrade Shaibu also expressed appreciation to the corps members for their various community-based projects in various local government areas across the state, noting that they are in line with the government’s agenda of making Edo great again.
Earlier, while delivering her welcome address, the Edo State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Abiodun Olubukola thanked the government for providing enabling environment for the corps members to contribute their quota to the service of their fatherland in the past one year.
She said, “Today, a total of 1,503 corps members are passing-out; 18 others who absconded have to repeat the entire service year in another location, while four others will have their service year extended.”
Three corps members, including Segun Damilola, Abere Fadilat and Anyanwu Chimama, were honoured for distinguishing themselves throughout the service year.
