Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members not to be discouraged by the current challenges facing Nigeria.
Makinde gave the charge during the swearing-in of the 2025 Batch C Corps members in Iseyin, Oyo State, today.
Makinde, represented by Mrs Kudirat Mustapha, Director of Youth Development, Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports, said the corps members were called at a time Nigeria was facing economic and security challenges.
He reminded them that difficult times produce the greatest innovators and the most resilient leaders.
The governor said that Nigeria was not defined by its challenges but by the talents and determination of people like the corps members.
“Do not lose hope in your future and do not lose hope in this great nation,” he said.
Makinde encouraged them to take the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED, programme seriously.
“In today’s world, self-reliance and innovation are keys to economic survival. Many of your predecessors have become job creators through the skills they acquired during the service year.
“You too can become a success story. Oyo State Government, in partnership with the NYSC, will continue to support initiatives that ensure your safety, welfare, and empowerment,” he said.
In his remarks, the NYSC Coordinator in Oyo State, Mr Kayode Peters, said the orientation course, which was the first phase and entry point of NYSC, was more than just a compulsory stage of national service.
Peters said the scheme was a melting pot of cultures, where young Nigerians discovered the beauty of diversity, strength of unity, build discipline, teamwork and essential life skills required for service year and beyond.
He said that NYSC was committed to strengthening the orientation course framework for greater relevance and deeper impact on national service.
The coordinator said a total of 3,598 prospective corps members, comprising 1,036 male and 2,562 female, had successfully registered for the orientation course in Oyo State.
He urged the corps members to embrace the values of discipline, hard work, patriotism, and make the best use of the opportunities provided during this orientation course.
Peters commended Makinde for his support to NYSC in the state, as well as the security agencies and community leaders for ensuring security of corps members and other citizens in the state.
Dailypost/Bolanle Mustapha.
