Posted by A total of 1,565 young adults from Akwa Ibom State have been sworn in as part of NYSC’s 2023 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1.
There are 703 male and 862 female Corps members in total.
The Corps members took their pledge of allegiance before the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Ekaette Obot, who was represented by Justice Gabriel Ette. Justice Obot emphasised the importance of following the law and avoiding any behaviour that could put their lives in risk.
Chinyere Ekwe, the New York State Coordinator for the National Youth Service Corp, addressed the newly sworn-in members, congratulating them on their successful swearing-in ceremony and informing them of the NYSC’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, which she said was designed to give them a “veritable platform to overcome post service year challenges of unemployment.” She also encouraged the Corps members to seriously engage with the in-camp SAED training.
She also thanked the state’s security chiefs and the heads of other agencies for their cooperation and said that it was essential in the NYSC’s ability to carry out its activities.
There are a total of 1,565 registered members of the corps, she said; 703 men and 862 women. It gives me great pleasure to inform you, sir, that the young Nigerians here have adapted well to the camp’s strict routine.
“Excellency Sir, we remain grateful for the State Government’s unwavering interest in the Scheme, of note is the regular provision of cash for corps members for their transportation fare, refreshments to corps members and camp officials during orientation and regular payment of corps allowances in the State during their national service.”
Mrs. Ekwe promised to continue to support all of the policies and projects of the Akwa Ibom state government, which she said had attracted prospective corps members because of the state’s tranquil atmosphere and generous welfare packages.
However, she praised Dr. Jeremiah Udoh, a native of the Obon Ukwa Community, for constructing a two-story building with 22 apartments and two common rooms, complete with beddings, curtains, reading tables, chairs, upholstered seats, and kitchen utensils, for the use of corps members serving at Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Obon Ukwa, his alma mater.
Ekwe also called on the state administration to address the camp’s crumbling infrastructure and lack of access to grid-based electricity.
She said, “May I here inform our affable Governor that our camp is faced with myriad challenges which require immediate attention.” The lack of power supply from the national grid for the past two years has forced us to rely solely on diesel and fuel for the running of generating sets to supply light and pump water for the camp’s needs, which is one of the most insurmountable problems we face. These difficulties have a huge financial impact on our limited resources.
Also, there’s a major security risk because the camp is completely in the dark after the sun goes down. The State Coordinator’s solar-powered light is woefully insufficient to illuminate the entire camp. Furthermore, there are not enough seats for the growing number of volunteers sent to the state.
Assuring the corps members of his or her protection, Commissioner of Police CP Olatoye Durosinmi cautioned them not to get involved in any activity that could put their lives in risk, such as cults.
“While on primary assignment, do not get involved with any cults and avoid using medications to boost your energy. Make an effort to leave a lasting legacy and immortalise yourself in history books. Please don’t go; we’ve had too many casualties to risk sending you out on your own. We promise to take every precaution to ensure your safety. The Commissioner offered comfort.