Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps deployed to the state to embrace discipline, patriotism and self-reliance as they begin their service year.
The governor also charged the corps members to contribute meaningfully to the development of their host communities and avoid activities capable of tarnishing their image and that of the NYSC scheme.
Aiyedatiwa gave the charge during the closing ceremony and terminal parade of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II orientation course held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare Akoko.
Represented by the Ondo State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, the governor said the orientation course was designed to equip corps members with the necessary skills and values required for national service.
According to him, the exercise exposed participants to drills, lectures, leadership training, cultural activities and other programmes aimed at building confidence, adaptability and national consciousness.
He urged the corps members to sustain the virtues of discipline, integrity, teamwork, tolerance and patriotism acquired during the orientation programme.
The governor noted that Nigeria required focused and innovative youths committed to nation-building and community service.
He advised the corps members to see themselves as partners in development in their various host communities rather than strangers, urging them to respect local customs and maintain cordial relationships with residents.
Aiyedatiwa further encouraged the corps members to initiate impactful Community Development Service projects capable of addressing challenges in areas such as education, healthcare, youth mentorship and environmental sanitation.
Speaking on entrepreneurship, the governor commended the corps members for participating in the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, stressing that academic qualifications alone were no longer enough in a rapidly evolving world.
He urged them to continue developing practical and entrepreneurial skills that could make them self-reliant and employers of labour.
On security, the governor reassured the corps members of the state government’s commitment to their welfare and safety through collaboration with security agencies and relevant stakeholders.
He, however, advised them to remain vigilant and avoid risky behaviours that could expose them to danger.
Aiyedatiwa also warned against involvement in social vices such as drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime and fraud, stressing that corps members must uphold the values and image of the nation.
The governor appreciated corps employers, traditional rulers, security agencies, camp officials and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful conduct of the orientation exercise.
At the event, letters of commendation were presented to outstanding camp officials for exceptional service during the orientation course.
Mr Oyegun Paul received an award in the NYSC category, while CA1 Odenibi Kemisola of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps was honoured in the non-NYSC category.
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