Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto state, has pledged more support to NYSC scheme and enhanced welfare for corps members posted to the state.
Aliyu made the pledge on Friday at the swearing of 2024 Batch B Stream 2 corps members posted to Sokoto and Zamfara states at NYSC Permanent Orientation camp in Wamakko Local Government Area.
Represented by the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Halliru, Aliyu said the scheme had over the years played a vital role in enhancing national integration.
According to him, it has boosted the social, cultural and physical development of the country and urged the corps members to sustain the tempo.
He enjoined corps members to be in the vanguard of promoting national unity in line with the fundamental objectives of the scheme.
Aliyu promised to prioritize their security and welfare irrespective of any part of the state they were posted to.
“ You know the security challenges in the country now, but I assure you that your security is guaranteed here in Sokoto State,” the governor assured.
Aliyu urged them to imbibe discipline, promote tolerance and understanding among all Nigerians, in addition to becoming change agents that would solve the nation’s problems and challenges.
He further enjoined the corps members to uphold good morals during their training, interact and integrate freely with their host communities starting from the camp.
The Chairman, NYSC Governing Board and Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Youths, Sport and Social Development, Alhaji Bello Yusuf, urged the corps members to be disciplined, stressing, ”if they will win an award it will start right from the camp.
“ The local, state and national award is given to an outstanding corps member based on his or her performance during the service period and is based on merit,” he said.
Yusuf thanked Aliyu for the prompt payment of state allowance to the corps members.
Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Alhaji Usman Yakubu-Yaro, said that camp activities were regimental, enjoining the corps members to inculcate the spirit of discipline.
Yakubu-Yaro said the combined orientation was directed by the national headquarters, saying that Zamfara NYSC officials also joined the exercise.
He thanked all the security agencies, camp officials and state government for their logistical support.
Chief Judge of Sokoto state, Justice Sa’idu Sifawa, represented by Chief Magistrate Isa Marafa, administered the oath to 1,250 corps members to commence orientation exercise.