By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
Cross River governor Prince Bassey Otu has assured of providing an enabling environment for the well-being of all Corps members posted to the state.
He gave the assurance while swearing-in 1,050 Batch C , Stream 1 Corps members at the Obubra NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Cross River.
Otu who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon Ijom Ukam stated that the state government will provide adequate security to enable them contribute their quota without fear of molestation in their areas of primary assignment for community development.
He congratulated the Corps member for their successful graduation and subsequent posting to Cross River, the Tourism hub of the country and wishing them a rewarding service year.
The governor further assured of rehabilitating the existing infrastructures and as well stabilise power and water supply in the camp.
He remarked that the cardinal objective of the NYSC scheme is to integrate youths of diverse cultural backgrounds and therefore urged them to take advantage of the upcoming Carnival Calabar which hosts the biggest street party in Africa, where different cultures are being showcased.
Earlier, the Chairman of Obubra Local Government Council, Hon Kingsley Arikpo expressed his determination to partner the state government to rehabilitate decayed infrastructure to enhance a healthy environment for the camp community.
In a goodwill message, he went down memory lane on the foundation of NYSC Scheme, applauding the Yakubu Gowon’s regime on its sudden realisation that Universities and other citadels of higher learning in the country are best training grounds for future leaders, hence the establishment of the Youth Service scheme under Decree 24 of May 22, 1973.
Arikpo urged the young graduates to be diligent in their various fields of specialisation to make them more self reliant.
He congratulated the Corps members for distinguishing themselves in the call to selfless service to their fatherland.
