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Governor Adamu commends NYSC Scheme

Sunday, September 22, 2002

Address by his excellency, the executive governor of nasarawa state, alhaji abdullahi adamu (sarkin yakin keffi) on the occasion of the official opening/swearing-in ceremony of the batch 'b' 2002 orientation course at nysc orientation camp, keffi on friday, 20th september 2002

Protocol.

I heartily welcome you, great and patriotic Nigerian Youths, to Nasarawa State. First and foremost, I want to congratulate you on the successful completion of your academic programmes for now, which has qualified you for call-up to serve our fatherland for one year.

I am indeed happy at your sense of patriotism and enthusiasm as demonstrated by your prompt reporting to this orientation camp. The zeal with which you are trying to settle down and cope with the challenges of this new environment is commendable.

I also thank God for granting you journey mercies from your various homes and States.

[Image]You are all aware that the NYSC Scheme, which was established nearly three decades ago, has come a long way. It is the one singular institution in this country that has done so much to curb ethnicity, sectionalism, and tribalism. The NYSC Scheme has also been a means to mould the nation into one united entity devoted to the rapid socio-political and economic development of our people.

It is pertinent to point out that the Scheme cannot be faulted for focusing on Nigerian Youths as vanguards in the struggle to foster unity and national integration. The philosophy and programmes of the Scheme recognise the great physical, psychological, mental and intellectual potentials and orientation of our youths. The onus, therefore, rests on you to justify the confidence the nation reposes in you. I challenge you to seize the initiative and champion the course of national development and transformation. I am hopeful that, like your predecessors, you are in a state of readiness for this all-important, once-in-a-life time one-year national assignment.

The NYSC Scheme has stood the test of time; it has become a household name on account of the numerous indelible legacies left behind by participants over the years. We have every cause to be proud of the huge successes and great achievements the Scheme has recorded since its inception.

I, therefore, enjoin you to take with utmost seriousness this noble call and dedicate yourselves towards achieving the Scheme's goal of national unity and development. Those who serve before you laid a good and solid foundation. I hope you will continue to build on the legacy they left behind. The government and good people of Nasarawa State appreciate and understand the objectives and philosophy of the NYSC. In view of this, we have resolved to join hands with you in every way possible to ensure the success of the Scheme in the State.

Considering the NYSC programme as a catalyst for accelerated national development, I once more implore you, my dear corps members, to take with utmost seriousness the nation's clarion call to self-less service. The future of this country lies in your hands. You have a most important role to play in shaping our corporate destiny. You must never mortgage this unique opportunity and you must not shirk your responsibility towards the nation.

I am sure the management of the NYSC will continue to review from time-to-time the programmes of the Scheme to keep it in line with national aspirations. Already I have been intimated that the Directorate Headquarters of the Scheme is bringing about certain changes and innovations geared towards turning around the fortunes of the Scheme and refocusing it to meet present and future national needs. I urge you to embrace these changes with courage and in good faith.

I must at this point say that your enrolment in the Scheme at this critical period when our nascent democracy is trying to find its feet places you in an historic position to contribute, individually and collectively, to ensure that democratic governance succeeds in Nigeria. As youths, you are to champion the crusade against the social vices that have bedevilled this country. Vices such as electoral malpractice and political violence. You owe it to yourselves and to the nation not allow yourselves to be recruited by agents of destabilisation to truncate our nascent democracy. It is, therefore, imperative that you make every effort to assist Government to achieve the Scheme's laudable goals.

This orientation course is the take-off point in your march towards greater heights and future attainments. It is designed to acquaint you with the ways and norms of your host communities. It is designed to educate you on their socio-political and cultural background. All this is intended to expose you to the peculiar challenges of your host communities so you can assist them to creatively meet these challenges.

The physical and psychological training you will undergo in the camp should instil in you the requisite qualities of discipline, perseverance and endurance, and the ability to live amicably with your fellow Nigerians from different parts of the country. I, therefore, urge you to take the exercise very seriously and cooperate with the course officials to ensure the success of this orientation programme. You should also remember that you are the ambassadors of your various institutions, states and families. Note, therefore, that all eyes are on you. Your comportment and behaviour will at all times be under scrutiny.

I advise you to start thinking right from the camp on initiating meaningful Community Development Service projects in your areas of primary assignment. This, I believe, should occupy your mind and keep you from inappropriate behaviours while in camp and during service.

Finally, let me assure you that Nasarawa State is for you a "home away from home". Our people, as you will find out for yourselves, are hospitable, friendly and caring. I urge you to avail yourselves of this hospitable, friendly and accommodating environment to gain a greater and deeper understanding of the people of our great country. This indeed is an opportunity for you to enrich your life and experience.

I wish you a successful, hitch-free and rewarding service year.

Finally, it is my pleasure and honour to declare the Batch 'B' 2002 orientation course open.

Thank you and God bless.

 
 
 

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