No fewer than 1,602 new members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were sworn in for the 2024 Batch A Stream 1 orientation course in Anambra.
Mr. Blessing Iruma, Coordinator of the NYSC in Anambra, who disclosed this during the swearing-in ceremony at the Mbaukwu/Umuawulu Permanent Orientation camp, said the new inductees included 721 males and 881 females.
Iruma informed guests that the prospective corps members were gradually getting used to the camp environment, enthusiastically participating in camp activities, and exhibiting good conduct.
She told the corps members that the scheme would ensure that the orientation programme was expository, interesting, educational, and memorable.
The coordinator said the event was targeted at adequately preparing corps members to successfully navigate through all the primary programs, with an emphasis on leadership, physical and mental training, skill acquisition, and entrepreneurship development.
“May I inform you that the NYSC as a scheme has four cardinal programmes: orientation, primary assignment, community development services, and winding up and passing out?”.
“This orientation course, which you have begun, is the first cardinal programme. It is carefully articulated to expose you to the operations of the scheme.
“May I state without any equivocation that discipline is emphasised here? So, make yourselves ready to participate actively in all camp activities,” she said.
Iruma thanked Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, the NYSC Director-General Brig.-Gen. YD Ahmed, and the NYSC Director, South East Area Office, for their support of the programme.
Declaring the orientation course open, Patrick Aghamba, Chairman, NYSC State Governing Board, welcomed the corps members to Anambra, assuring them that Anambra people were friendly, accommodating, and open-minded.
Aghamba, who is the state commissioner for youth empowerment, urged them to imbibe the aspects of the orientation course that would enable them to cope harmoniously and effectively at their places of primary assignment.
“As you are aware, language is an aspect of the culture of the people. Since Igbo is taught in the camp, make good use of the time allocated to the teaching.
“I will be monitoring you both for the three-week’ orientation course and throughout the period of your primary assignment.
“The essence is to ensure your security and welfare.
“I would like to take this opportunity to inform you about an important program called “One Youth, Two Skills,” initiated by the Anambra State government.
“This programme aims to empower our youth with valuable skills that will enable them to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to the development of our state. (NAN)
