Anambra State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, Mrs Blessing Ekene Iruma has sought for the intervention of relevant authorities in locating the proposed NYSC Southeast Area Skill Acquisition Centre at the Nnamdi Azikiwe orientation camp.
She made the appeal on Friday during the swearing in ceremony of the 2023 Batch ‘B’ stream 1 orientation course.
She described the 3-weeks Orientation Course as opportunity for corps members to learn important skills, imbibe discipline and foster sense of nationhood and unity, Iruma
“I would like to use this opportunity to appeal to both the State and Local Government authorities for intervention in the area of locating the proposed NYSC South East Area Skill Acquisition Centre in Umuawulu.
“This will provide Corps Members and the entire community the opportunity to acquire valuable skills that will enable them to become self-employed and contribute to the development of the State,” she said.
Iruma further revealed that a total of 1,610 corps members, comprising 702 males and 908 females were registered for the orientation course.
Commissioner for Youth Development, who doubles as Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board, Patrick Ahamba urged corps members to utilize the opportunity of the orientation exercise to imbibe the virtues of loyalty, discipline and commitment to become better members of the society.
Ahamba, represented by Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Sports, Barr Nonso Arinze said the programme offered corps members opportunity to learn important skills, imbibe discipline and foster a sense of nationhood and unity.
“It is also a time for them to interact with one another, build friendships and develop leadership qualities. You have to pay special attention to Skills Acquisition & Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme towards the attainment of self reliance,” he said.
Declaring the orientation course open, Governor Chukwuma Soludo said NYSC has over the years, lived up to the vision of impacting positively on national development especially in rural communities through
developmental projects.
Soludo, represented by Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi urged the corps members to engage in various community development projects and activities, and to fully immerse themselves in the unique Anambra experience to make the most of this opportunity.
He also assured soon intervention of erosion menace at the camp, stressing that government would liase with the State Coordinator to find lasting solution to the menace.
He said, “Anambra State is the erosion capital of the world and we have made it very clear that about 1000 active gully erosion is ravaging the state. This is not different.
“The truth is that government can’t do it alone. We have ecological fund office at the federal level. But at the local level, we have roles to play including tree planting to ensure the menace is addressed.
“As per this camp, l’ll have discussions with the Coordinator and refer her to the Commissioner in charge of Environment and MD in charge of Watershed and Erosion and see what can be done.”
