Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps to deploy the skills and knowledge acquired during their orientation course to drive development in their host communities.
The governor gave the charge through the Ondo State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, at the passing-out ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream I orientation course held on Tuesday at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko.
Aiyedatiwa encouraged the corps members to take Community Development Service projects seriously by identifying genuine needs within their host communities and working collaboratively to address them, with a view to leaving enduring impacts at the end of their service year.
Describing Ondo State as peaceful and culturally endowed, the governor said the people are hospitable and accommodating, advising the corps members to respect local customs and traditions while maintaining harmonious relationships with their hosts. He also cautioned them to remain neutral in political, traditional and other sensitive local matters.
The governor assured the corps members of the state government’s commitment to their security and welfare, noting that adequate measures had been put in place to guarantee a safe and enabling environment. He added that the government would sustain collaboration with security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to ensure their wellbeing throughout the service year.
He further urged the corps members to leverage the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme to gain practical competencies that would enhance self-reliance after service, encouraging them to cultivate creativity, competence and confidence.
Aiyedatiwa also admonished the corps members to act as worthy ambassadors of their families, institutions and the NYSC scheme by upholding integrity, excellence and patriotism, while warning against indiscipline, misconduct and unethical behaviour.
Reflecting on the orientation exercise, the governor noted that the corps members had been exposed to the ideals of national unity, patriotism and selfless service through structured training, lectures and interactions, which had prepared them for meaningful service to the nation.
He stressed that lessons on teamwork, leadership, tolerance, discipline and hard work imbibed during the camp should guide them throughout their service year and beyond, describing them as future leaders and change agents Nigeria depends on.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of letters of commendation to outstanding camp officials, with Mr Thompson Yekini honoured in the NYSC category, while the camp Regimental Sergeant Major, WO Atanda Gbenga of the Nigerian Army, received an award in the collaborating agencies category.
The event formally marked the conclusion of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream I orientation course at the Ikare-Akoko camp.
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