Live a Noble and Exemplary Life

ADDRESS BY HIS EXELLENCY, ALH.(DR)ABDULLAHI ADAMU, (Sarkin Yakin Keffi, and Aare Obateru of the Source, Ile-Ife) THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF NASARAWA STATE, AT THE PASSING-OUT CEREMONY OF THE 2005 BATCH ‘A’ CORPS MEMBERS HOLDING AT THE PARADE GROUND, LAFIA, ON WEDNESDAY, 1^ST FEBRUARY, 2006.

PROTOCOL:

Dear compatriots in national service. I am glad to be here today, on the occasion of your passing-out from the one-year mandatory service to our country. It was indeed a clarion call to which you responded positively and selflessly. It is the aggregate of your contributions as responsible youths of this country that resulted partly in the success story of our nation. Your diligence, patriotism, dedication and commitment to the cause of nation building in the state for the past one year are quite commendable and appreciable. Congratulations.

Distinguished Gentlemen Corps members, today’s ceremony marks the successful completion of a phase in your chosen careers. It also serves as a good point for reflecting on your individual and collective contributions in respect of the development of our nation. The completion of the National Youth Service Corps should not been seen as the end of your service to the nation state. National service is indeed a continuum. Your participation in the NYSC programme is only a stage in the life of responsible and patriotic citizens, which open doors to fresh opportunities and challenges. Permit me to say, that NYSC Scheme has laid a strong and solid foundation for future endeavours, surmount obstacles and dispel fears that may assail you from time to time.

As you are aware that the desire for success is human and as young graduates with sound knowledge and skills, the sky is your limit. It must be recognized that the road to success has never been easy. Most times, it is often rough and turbulent. No individual or nation has ever achieved a level of true success in the course of development without first making sacrifices. As young men and women imbued with knowledge and skills, I have no doubt that you will opt for a positive course and make the necessary sacrifice. By so doing, you would have ignited forces that will perpetually keep you on the tract to a fulfilling career. However, I wish to state that your participation and experiences in the NYSC are expected to equip you with the necessary skills and strategies for your individual survival as adults in a competitive world.

It is on the foregoing that this administration has put in place recovery programmes and reforms designed to ensure stability, growth and democracy. It is our believe that these programmes will promote employment, alleviate poverty and enhance general improvement in standard of living. It is also hoped that the reforms should facilitate the emergence of a healthy environment that would create many more opportunities for the participation and empowerment of the citizenry. As you go into the wider world, you are expected to commit yourselves to the greatness of this country. This you can do by continuing to live a life that is characterized by the virtues of hard work, selflessness, love and patriotism.

The years ahead may seem very promising, but you are expected to display necessary caution as any false move could prove costly. In view of the government intense campaign against corruption and the focus on transparency in all spheres of life, there is the need for you to be mindful of the company of people of doubtful character, especially in the steps to acquire wealth. I enjoin you to live a noble, honest and exemplary life in accordance with laudable objectives of the NYSC Scheme. Your venture into the development of Nasarawa State through the provision of Health Care Delivery, campaign and enlightenment on HIV/AIDS, Charity services, environmental, beautification and to mention but a few, is highly appreciated. There is no doubt that it is imparted positively on the well-being of your host communities.

As you depart to your various homes, I urge you to remain patriotic, loyal and be in the vanguard of enlightening our people against all forms of social vices, capable of undermining government’s noble role.

I once again congratulate you all on your meritorious service to the nation and wish you immensurable success in your future endeavours.

Thank you and God bless.