Aiyedatiwa urges corps members to promote unity, community development in Ondo
By Boye Oyeyemi
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on members of the 2026 Batch B Stream I of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to actively contribute to national development and community growth during their service year.
The governor made the charge on Tuesday during the swearing-in ceremony held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare-Akoko, where he was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Segun Omoyofunmi.
Aiyedatiwa described the NYSC scheme as a key national institution for fostering unity, integration, and youth empowerment across Nigeria. He urged corps members to embrace their postings as opportunities to promote understanding among diverse ethnic and religious groups.
He encouraged the corps members to demonstrate innovation, leadership, and commitment to selfless service, noting that their contributions could significantly impact their host communities and the nation at large.
The governor also advised them to take full advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, stressing that entrepreneurship and self-reliance are essential tools for economic survival and long-term success.
Earlier in the ceremony, the chairman of the Ondo State NYSC Governing Board, represented by the Director of Youth in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mrs Catherine Okukpe, urged the corps members to maintain discipline, integrity, and responsibility throughout their service year.
She commended their conduct since arriving at the orientation camp and encouraged them to actively participate in all training activities designed to build leadership capacity and entrepreneurial skills.
The ceremony climaxed with the administration of the oath of allegiance, officially marking the commencement of the corps members’ national service, while the State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Kuburat Bakare, reaffirmed the scheme’s commitment to patriotism and thanked the state government for its continued support.
