His Excellency, the Governor of Cross River State Senator LiyelImoke said he was delighted to preside over the passing-out of yet another batch of corps members who have worked assiduously towards the development of the State in particular and the nation as a whole, while appreciating and commending the batch 'B' 2012 corps members for their effective collaboration with the State in grassroot development and for a successful service year.
This was contained in a speech he delivered during the passing out ceremony of 2012 Batch 'B' Corps members on the 6th of June, 2013, at the Pavilion of the University of Calabar.
The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Barr.EfiokCobham, said the National Youth Service scheme clocked 40 years on the 22nd of May, 2013.
He said as the drums were being rolled out to celebrate the scheme's attainment of adulthood, it was imperative to evaluate the performance of the programme in the years past and to re-invigorate and further promote those virtues that have brought the scheme to prominence and endeared it to many people in Nigeria and beyond.
The Governor said, it is very heartwarming to note that the scheme has survived all odds since its inception in 1973 to the level that it has gained international recognitions, such that Gambia and some other countries in West African sub-region have approached the management of the scheme in Nigeria for advice and how to set up a similar youth programme in their country.
In this moment of joy, the Commissioner for Youth & Sports Development who is also the Chairman, NYSC Governing Board, Mr. Patrick Ugbe, on behalf of the State Governing Board congratulated the out-going 2012 Batch 'B' set and commended them for loyal service to the development of Nigeria in Cross River State.
He said, the State, however has been contributive to the prosperity of the NYSC scheme despite meager resources, that to whom much is given much is expected.He advised that as a matter of fact, white collar jobs are difficult to come by today, that the State Governing Board will continue to do her best in recommending the very exceptional corps members into the service of Government and private enterprises all over the nation and congratulated the ones that have taken the bull by the horn by venturing into self employment.
The Commissioner enumerated the success recorded by host communities and particularly proud of Okambi community in Obudu for bestowing chieftaincy titles on corps members to prove that the State embraces everyone for growth and development.
Similarly, the NYSC Coordinator, Mr. NkerekeIbangha advised the corps members and encouraged them to key into Government initiative at every level to themselves, independent entrepreneurs and employers of labour and not job seekers the event was attended by the Governor, Senator LiyelImoke and State Executive Council members, service chiefs and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof James Epoke.