(http://www.osundefender.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/NYSC-Camp-Ede27.jpg)
Osun State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola has condemned the spate of violence against members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), describing it as 'highly disturbing'.
He disclosed this at the swearing-in ceremony of Batch 'C' NYSC members, at the permanent orientation camp, Ede in the state.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Grace Laoye-Tomori assured the corps members of his administration's commitment to their safety throughout their stay in the state.
He added that the state government's determination to support the youth service scheme was borne-out of its realisation that it is only when youths realised their creative productive potentials, that the nation can achieve national transformation.
Aregbesola lauded the efforts of the scheme at helping the nation achieve meaningful national integration and sustainable development through the contribution of the corps members, to the success of programmes, such as the national census, the electoral process, campaign against HIV/AIDS and the implementation of various Millennium Developmental Goals (MDGs).
He urged them to inculcate the virtue of excellence, which according to him is the hallmark of the state, by conducting themselves in line with the aspirations of the current administration in the state.
"I am confident that the commendable attainments, as well as the evident spirit of dedication, selflessness and patriotism of your predecessor on the scheme will serve to spur you, to greater service to our dear state and the nation generally.
As you get deployed to your host communities for your primary assignments later, you should be guided by the fact that you are not only ambassadors of the NYSC, but you also represent Nigerian youths. You must therefore, strive to always present yourselves creditably at all times".
He then urged them to exploit the enormous tourist potential inherent in the state to their benefit and that of the host communities.
The governor then called on local government authorities and Non-Governmental Organisations, to always support the NYSC scheme, by providing accommodation to corps members posted to their various communities
Earlier in his speech, the state Commissioner for Sports, Youths and Special Needs, Mr. Stephen Kola-Balogun, urged the newly-sworn-in members, to allow the social vices inherent in youths to give way to tendencies that will promote unity and integration of the country.
He therefore charged the corps members to take opportunities provided by the scheme to take decisions that would enable them actualise their life aspirations and yearnings.
"I draw the attention of the corps members to the cardinal objectives of the NYSC scheme, which should be internalised, to chart a right course for yourselves in life.
I enjoin you all to take full advantage of this opportunity by participating effectively in all the events, as they are deliberately packaged to prepare your mind and body for the greater tasks ahead of you", added Kola-Balogun.
Osun Defender