GOV. David Umahi of Ebonyi has urged corps members in the state to integrate effectively with the communities of their primary assignments, to achieve the desired national integration.

Umahi stated this on Monday at Afikpo during the closing ceremony of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2018 Batch ‘C’ Stream I orientation course, noting that Ebonyi people are hospitable.

Umahi represented by his Deputy, Dr Kelechi Igwe, urged the corps members to interact freely with the people and explore their rich cultural heritage.

“I urge you to appreciate the many similarities between Ebonyi people and your own culture while respecting the culture and tradition of the people.

“I bet that you will be happy coming to serve in Ebonyi as my administration has resolved to place your welfare as a top priority at all times,” he said.

The governor urged the corps members to be agents of change and collaborate with his administration to improve the lots of Ebonyi people.

“You should embark on life-touching community development projects that will benefit your host communities.

“I salute your predecessors for leaving behind footprints in the sands of time and enjoin you to tow such path or even surpass them,” he said.

He reiterated his warning to employers in the state not reject the corps members on flimsy excuses, noting that such would no longer be tolerated by the government.

“Employers should accept these youths, treat them as their staff and make good use of their skills and knowledge in their various establishments.

“Ebonyi is predominantly rural based with farmers forming the majority and most amenities such as roads, portable water among others are gradually coming into these rural areas,” he said.

Umahi commended the state NYSC coordinator and all camp officials for their dedication to duty and hard work which contributed to the success recorded durinh the exercise.

“This government released funds for the renovation of facilities at the orientation camp which is ongoing and reviewed upwards the state monthly stipends paid to these corps members from N5,000 to N10,000,” he said.

Mrs Ann Ibe, the state NYSC Coordinator, commended the state government’s support, noting that the exercise recorded no hitches.

“The corps members since their arrival, exhibited a high sense of duty, commitment, discipline and team spirit while participating actively in all camp activities.

“They actively participated in skills acquisition training, paramilitary drills, citizenship and leadership training, social, cultural activities and lectures on various local and national issues,” she said.

She informed the corps members that the orientation course was a preparatory ground for the challenges of the service year and urged them to put the acquired knowledge into good use.

“You should accept your posting in good faith, accept the people by identifying with them and I will visit you in the course of the service year to ascertain your welfare and challenges.

“I admonish you to be law-abiding, avoid unnecessary and unauthorized travels, abstain from immoral practices, report promptly to duty and contribute your quota to the development of the state.”

Miss Aisha Aliyu, a corps member from Kano state, said that she would heed to the governor’s call to integrate with the people and contribute her quota in developing the state.

-NAN

BE

– Nov. 13, 2018 @ 10:25 GMT |