From Bola Ogunlayi

As the 2019 general election is fast approaching the Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi has warned the 2,360 corps members deployed to the state by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to stay away from local politics.

Ajimobi gave this warning at the official closing/terminal parade of the 2018 Batch ‘B’ (Stream I) corps members at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, in Iseyin, on Monday.

The Governor, who spoke through his deputy, Otunba Moses Adeyemo, implored the corps members to “contribute to the socio-economic and political development of Oyo the Pacesetter State. Strive to put in your best and contribute productively in whatever sector of the economy you might be posted. No effort is too small or much for the development of Oyo State”.

He said, “I implore you to cultivate a healthy relationship with your host communities. There is need for you to integrate and appreciate the culture and traditions of the people. While encouraging you to live peacefully with them and refrain from engaging in local politics.

“As agents of change, I admonish you to impact positively on your host communities and transfer the knowledge acquired during the skill acquisition training to better their lots and stem the tide of youth unemployment in our society.

“As good ambassador of your families and the scheme, I enjoin you to shun all negative acts that could tarnish the good image your predecessors have toiled to build over the years.

“Let your conduct and moral rectitude be a source of joy to the entire nation. I want to assure you all that our administration will see to excellent hospitality of the government and the good people of Oyo State.

“The state will continually ensure that the security and welfare of corps members deployed to the state receives priority attention. Oyo State is relatively peaceful and secured. I urge you to be security conscious.”

The state NYSC coordinator, Mrs. Ifeoma Anidobi, in her welcome address, urged the corps members not to forget all the admonitions and training, especially those which have to do with their conduct and security, saying they should be good ambassadors of the NYSC.

Anidobi said, “Stay out of trouble. Avoid frivolous journeys. Put in your best in your places of primary assignment and strive to leave an imprint at the end of your service year by impacting positively on your host communities. Respect the norms and tradition of the people, while not forgetting that you are agents of national integration and development.

“The corps members have received various lectures on the culture and tradition of Oyo people, security awareness, language studies, skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development programme, HIV/AIDS and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), sensitization’ training and many other relevant lectures.

“They have also been equipped with the basic knowledge of various skills during the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme for self-reliance and wealth creation.”