Insecurity: Makinde assures corps members of adequate security, better welfare

Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has assured National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) corps members of adequate security and better welfare.

The governor gave the assurance during the swearing-in ceremony of Batch A Stream I corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Iseyin, Oyo State, on Friday.

Makinde, represented by the Director of Youth Programmes, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs Kudirat Mustapha, also assured the NYSC of the state government’s continued support for the scheme.

He noted that his administration deliberately created an enabling environment for corps members to live, work and serve safely.

“I assure you that our administration will continue to prioritise your welfare, security and well-being throughout your service year,” he said.

Makinde urged the corps members to embrace the values of integrity, hard work, respect for cultural diversity and peaceful coexistence.

He also encouraged them to explore the beauty of the state, engage with the people, respect customs and contribute to the development of their host communities.

The governor urged the corps members to take the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme during their orientation with all seriousness.

“As young Nigerians drawn from different parts of the country, you are living symbols of the Nigeria we all desire, a united, peaceful and progressive nation.

“You are beginning your service year at a time when our nation needs your energy, creativity and resilience more than ever before.

“Nigeria’s challenges are real, but so are the opportunities.

“I urge you to see your service year as a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to nation-building, develop leadership skills and positively impact the communities where you will serve.

“The future belongs to those who are prepared, and this programme is designed to prepare you for life after NYSC.

“As you proceed with your mandatory one-year national service journey, I charge you to be good ambassadors of your families, institutions, states of origin and the NYSC scheme.

“Believe in Nigeria, believe in yourselves and believe that your contributions, no matter how little, can make a lasting difference,” he said.

In his remarks, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr Peters Kayode, urged the corps members to embrace various NYSC skills development programmes for their personal growth and learning.

“You stand the chance of leveraging this rare opportunity to deepen your understanding and refine your skills, as many of your peers do not have the opportunity you have.

“I enjoin you to take the orientation course seriously and participate in all activities,” he said.

The state coordinator commended the governor for ensuring that corps members serving in public agencies in Oyo State receive 13 months’ salary at the end of 2025, just like other permanent staff.

He noted that the gesture not only recognises the hard work and dedication of the corps members but is also a motivation to serve with excellence and professionalism.

Our correspondent reports that the oath of allegiance was administered on the corps members by Justice Kareem Adedokun, who represented the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iyabo Yerima.