Even as the 2023 general election is barely 29 days away, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to Osun for the 2023 Batch A Stream 1 have been charged to live above board in the discharge of their electoral duties.
This is as they have been tasked not to betray the confidence and trust reposed in them by the electorates.
This charge was contained in the address by the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke during the swearing-in and official opening ceremony of the 2023 Batch A Stream 1 orientation course at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Ede, Osun State on Friday.
Adeleke while also charging the youth corps members not to engage in frivolities and exuberances associated with modern youths urged them to strive to stand out and be different to secure their place in the future.
He assured that his administration will continue to work towards security and a friendly environment for them to serve successfully.
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 while urging them to see their call to serve as a call to higher responsibility and accountability added the NYSC is not a waste of time but an opportunity to contribute their quota to the development of key sectors of society where they will be deployed to.
Earlier, in her introductory address, the Osun NYSC State Coordinator, Abdulwahab Olayinka explained that the orientation programme was designed to prepare the corps members for the unique role of nation-building.
Abdulwahab reiterated the stance of the NYSC that corps members should always put to positive use their various social media handles as ambassadors of the scheme, their families and the nation at large.
“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 boss who encouraged the corps members to distinguish themselves during the service year disclosed that the Scheme has a system of rewarding hard work and diligence.
“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.”
She charged the newly sworn-in corps members to desist from any act that can mar the good image of the Scheme and that of their families as the 2023 general elections approach.