By: TUNDE BOLAJI MINNA.
Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger state has charged the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II NYSC Corps Members deployed to the state to be agents of change and nation-builders.
Bago made this call during the formal opening of the orientation course and swearing-in ceremony of the Corps Members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Paiko.
The Governor, who was represented by Dr Muhammad Makusidi Permanent Secretary, Special Duties in the SSG office, emphasized that the Scheme has been able to sustain its mandate of rallying Nigerian graduate youths and instilling in them noble qualities of commitment, patriotism, teamwork, integrity, and tolerance.
According to Governor Bago, “The NYSC remains one of the strongest platforms for maintaining national unity and development. Commendably, it has not failed in any of its set objectives over the years.
The Governor urged the Corps Members to be disciplined and take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development training, noting that “Your degree is hardly enough these days, therefore it is vital to have a skill in order to boost your profile.”
He also encouraged them to leverage on the “Digital Literacy for All” campaign, saying that “Developed economies are technology-driven.”
Governor Bago assured the Corps Members that the State Government would continue to provide an enabling environment for the Scheme to thrive.
He commended the NYSC Management and Staff for their diligence and dedication to duty and called on security agencies to partner with the government to ensure the safety of Corps Members in Niger State.
“On this note, I hereby declare the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course in Niger State open.
“I wish you an enriching service year experience as you settle down to offer diligent service to the fatherland in Niger State,” the Governor added.
Earlier in her welcome address, the NYSC Coordinator in Niger State, Mrs Martina Shuaibu Ibrahim, called on the corps members deployed to the stage to embrace the SAED as a vital tool for self-reliance.
She encouraged them to take the training seriously, saying that white-collar jobs were not guaranteed.
“I encourage you to avail yourselves of the opportunities for self-development offered through the SAED,” she said.
Shuaibu Ibrahim also urged the corps members to utilize social media responsibly and cautioned them against spreading fake news, fueling hatred and other negative purposes rather leverage on it to promote national unity and development.