ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
No fewer than 1,800 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to Bayelsa State, on Tuesday commenced orientation at the permanent orientation facility at Boro Town, Kaiama, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.
The exercise was the first at the new site being constructed by the state government.
The project, which is almost completed, was conceptualised in 2006 but was started by the immediate administration of Senator Seriake Dickson and inherited by his successor, Senator Douye Diri.
Speaking during the swearing-in of the 2021 Batch C Stream 2 corps members at the permanent orientation site, Governor Diri assured them of their wellbeing and safety during the service year.
He recalled how as Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in 2006, he was instrumental in siting of the orientation facility in Kaiama during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan when he was governor of the state.
Diri appreciated his predecessor for commencing the construction of the permanent site.
He said his administration would put finishing touches to the camp to make the corps members comfortable.
He charged them to take their national assignment seriously and adhere to laws of the land, particularly those guiding the service.
He also commended the state coordinator and officials of the NYSC in Bayelsa for their effort in making the scheme a success in the state.
Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Elizabeth Iyowuna, thanked the state government for its support to the scheme, particularly the construction of the permanent site.
She urged corps members to take the orientation programme seriously and focus on being self-reliant after service rather than joining the long queue of job seekers.