*Calls for government assistance in power supply, perimeter fencing, others
By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.
The NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Oladeinde Foluke made the commendation during the swearing ceremony of the 2024 Batch 'C' Stream '2' Orientation Course in MacGregor College Afikpo.
Oladeinde also extolled Governor Nwifuru for having pledged to renovate not only some dilapidated hostels but to build new blocks, including an ultra-modern clinic in the NYSC camp.
"I wish to express my profound gratitude to His Excellency, Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the workaholic and goal-getting governor, for donating an official vehicle to the State Coordinator, as well as his pledge of renovating not just dilapidated hostels but building new blocks including the ultra-modern camp clinic," she said.
The Coordinator further commended the contributions of the members of the NYSC State Governing Board led by the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Prince Richard Idike, security operatives and other collaborating agencies, which, according to her, stood as a huge encouragement towards executing the camp orientation course exercise in Ebonyi.
Oladeinde, however, urged Governor Nwifuru-led administration to equally assist the NYSC by providing electricity, perimeter fencing, utility vehicles and ambulance to facilitate activities of the Corps staff and members in the scheme's permanent orientation camp in the state.
"We will not bother the state government too much, but it is important to note that the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Afikpo lacks electricity because of non-connection to the National grid, lack of perimeter fencing to ensure adequate security of camp facilities, utility vehicles for inspections and an ambulance for ambulatory services," she pointed out.
She disclosed that a total of 1,392 Corps members, comprised of 713 males and 679 females were deployed and registered in the camp and assured of their readiness to contribute their quota to the development of the state.
Speaking at the event, Governor Francis Nwifuru gave a minute silence as part of mourning the death of the prospective Corps members a few days while heading for the orientation course exercise in the state.
Governor Nwifuru, represented by the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Prince Richard Idike, recalled that the NYSC, since its inception, has been at the forefront of championing and promoting national unity and accelerated socio-economic development of the nation.
He noted that the oath of allegiance taken by the Corps members serves as a reminder to them while facing squarely the daunting challenges of nation-building as the critical stakeholders in society.
He enjoined them to be active participants in the camp activities to ensure self-development, assuring that his administration would continue to discharge its statutory role of providing adequate security and welfare needs as well as an enabling environment for them to operate optimally in the state.
