By Tony Ita Etim - Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, has warned members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posted to the state to shun criminal activities.
Akpabio gave the warning at the swearing in of of the 2013 Batch C Corps members deployed to the state, which took place at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikot Itie Udung in Nsit Atai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
According to Akpabio, “The NYSC does not provide cover for Corps members who engage themselves in criminals activities.
“You must shun cultism, political violence and religious intolerance or any form of anti-social behaviour. You should be guided by the motto of NYSC.”
Akpabio also admonished the Corps members not to allow unpatriotic individuals to influence them rather they must be determined to give their host communities a new lease of life as well as be a good ambassador of their alumni and families.
State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Monday Uko, who represented Akpabio at the ceremony in his address described the camp as a level playing ground where all participants are subjected to the same conditions and privileges.
Uko challenged the Corps members to avail themselves of opportunities available in the camp and state and make maximum use of the available facilities in the state and camp.
The commissioner pointed out that the NYSC scheme has made tremendous and priceless contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria and expressed hope that corpers posted to the state will bring new innovations and development to communities where they are posted.
In his address, the NYSC State Coordinator in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Akinkunmi Martins, announced that a total of 2203 Corps members, comprising 1,123 males and 1,080 females were posted to the state.
Akinkunmi announced that the NYSC is collaborating with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Agriculture to put the camp into full utilization after the orientation programme.
According to Akinkunmi, the NYSC is making effort towards setting a pilot agricultural venture within the camp, which will benefit corps members and the host communities.
