Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on the private sector to support the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by sponsoring community development projects initiated by corps members.

Governor Oborevwori, represented by Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, the Commissioner for Higher Education, made the appeal on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch C, Stream 2, corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Issele-Uku.

He emphasized that such investments would enhance the quality of life in host communities and positively engage corps members.

“My dear corps members, the NYSC, established over four decades ago, has consistently proven its relevance in the development of the nation,” Oborevwori stated. “Its appeal to Nigerian youths remains strong despite challenges, including the contemporary issues of insecurity in some parts of the country.”

The governor also acknowledged the efforts of the NYSC management in tackling youth unemployment through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. He urged corps members to take full advantage of the initiative during their orientation course.

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to the NYSC, he said, “My administration is committed to supporting NYSC with the necessary resources, encouragement, and enabling environment to foster progress in the scheme.”

Oborevwori disclosed that the state government had sensitized and mobilized communities to prioritize the security and welfare of corps members. He also urged the corps members to actively participate in orientation camp activities designed to engage and prepare them for their service year.

“The state government is continuously striving to make this camp more conducive and leave a lasting positive impression on you. With God on our side and adequate financial resources, we shall achieve this objective,” he added.

The Secretary to the State Government, Kingsley Emu, also addressed the corps members, encouraging them to embrace the challenges of transitioning from academic life to a more demanding environment.

“Take full advantage of the various skill acquisition programmes offered by the scheme, which are aimed at empowering you with the requisite knowledge and skills to address the challenge of post-service unemployment,” Emu said.

Delta State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. John Kwaghe, commended the corps members for their discipline and readiness to serve. He urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the orientation course to make a meaningful impact in their host communities.

“Serve with humility, diligence, and creativity. Be exemplary in your roles as teachers and leaders, and strive to impact positively on the lives of those you encounter,” Kwaghe advised.

He expressed gratitude to the state government for its continuous support, including the promise to provide a 150KVA generator to address the camp’s power challenges. However, he appealed for attention to the camp’s perimeter fencing, which he described as weak and inadequate.

A total of 2,159 prospective corps members, comprising 993 males and 1,166 females, were registered at the camp. Community leaders were also urged to prioritize the welfare and security of the corps members, treating them as their own children.