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By Chidi Nkwopara
Monday, September 13, 2004
OWERRI—MEMBERS of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to Imo State, have been urged to rise to the challenges facing the country, in whatever locality they find themselves.Imo State Deputy Governor, Chief Ebere Udeagu, gave the charge at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Umudi,Nkwerre Local Government Area of the state, during the swearing-in ceremony of this year’s “batch B” corps members.”As youthful and enterprising citizens of this nation, I urge you all to rise to the challenges facing us as a corporate entity, in whatever locality you may find yourselves”, the Deputy Governor pleaded.
He reminded the corp members and their handlers that the NYSC scheme was designed by the founding fathers, to play a sound role towards the achievement of national integration, social development, as well as a virile, just and egalitarian society.”As future leaders of this geographical entity called Nigeria and as far as the NYSC scheme is concerned,the rural communities are your constituencies.
Government’s effort aimed at achieving national integration and development can only be realized when your services are rural based,” Udeagu said.While recalling that the NYSC scheme, within its 31 years of existence, has become a veritable instrument of national development, the Deputy Governor also expressed happiness that the scheme has proved to be a strong bond which binds Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities into a single, united people.He equally explained that the orientation programme has been carefully packaged to address some of the leadership needs of Nigeria, especially in the area of mental and physical fitness.
The Deputy Governor therefore appealed to the corp members to deploy their intellect, resourcefulness, patience and understanding during their service to the nation. Chief Udeagu later donated on behalf of the government and people of Imo State, five cows and 50 bags of rice to the corps members.Earlier in his speech, the State NYSC Co-ordinator, Dr. Obi Bisong, named the hostels at the temporary camp site after some dignitaries in the state.
About 1,636 corps members were sworn in at the ceremony, by a Judge of the state Judiciary, Hon.Justice Paschal Nnadi, on behalf of the state Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Paul C. Onumajulu.
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