Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) assigned to Osun for the 2023 Batch A Stream 1 have been instructed to act honourably in the performance of their electoral responsibilities even though the general election is only 29 days away.
This is because they have a responsibility to uphold the confidence and trust that voters have placed in them.
This accusation was made in the speech given by Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun State, on Friday at the formal opening ceremony for the 2023 Batch A Stream 1 orientation course at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Ede, Osun State.
Adeleke exhorted the youth corps members to try to stand out and be distinctive in order to guarantee their position in the future, while simultaneously admonishing them not to partake in the frivolities and exuberances typical of today’s youth.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining security and a welcoming atmosphere for them to properly carry out their duties.
In his words, “My government will continue to work towards providing adequate security and a friendly environment for you to serve successfully. I want you to let go of all negative preconceptions and misconceptions which are capable of marring the fun of the service year. Make friends and relate freely with one another cherishing your differences while diligently discovering your similarities. It will surprise you to know and discover that what bonds us together as a nation is more and stronger than that which divides us.
“Dear Compatriots in service, join us to make our economy bigger and stronger by embracing skills acquisition and entrepreneurship. Be creative and innovative as graduates. Do not only think of consuming but rather begin to think of what you can produce or offer as a solution to human needs and problems. Imbibe the mindset of an entrepreneur and toll the path of diligence, hard work and industry, which is the key to lasting success and prosperity.”
Adeleke noted that the NYSC is not a waste of time but a chance for them to contribute their fair share to the development of the crucial societal areas where they would be deployed, while asking them to consider their call to service as a call to higher duty and accountability.
The Osun NYSC State Coordinator, Abdulwahab Olayinka, noted earlier in her welcome speech that the orientation programme was created to prepare the corps members for the special role of nation-building.
Abdulwahab reaffirmed the NYSC’s position that corps members should always utilise their different social media accounts positively as ambassadors for the programme, their families, and the country as a whole.
“Do not use your social media handles to spread hatred or peddle fake news but learn to spread love, kindness and happiness everywhere you go.”
The Osun NYSC chairman said that the Scheme has a way of recognising tenacity and hard effort while urging the corps members to stand out throughout the service year.
“There are several awards reserved for outstanding performance such as the State Coordinator’s commendation, Chairman’s Award, State Honours Award and the Presidential Award.”
As the general elections in 2023 draw near, she urged the just sworn-in corps members to refrain from any behaviour that may harm the Scheme’s and their families’ positive reputations.
