By Sunday Iduh
Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, has called on Nigerians to shun ethnicity and religious bigotry in order to ensure rapid development of the country.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Barrister Sam Ode, made the call, Friday during the swearing-in and opening ceremony of Batch B, stream 2 Orientation Course of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at Tarka Local Government Area of the state.
He said: “In view of the objective of the NYSC, therefore, I urge you to shun all forms of ethnicity and religious bigotry, and interact freely with your colleagues from other parts of the country and in that process establish friendships that will last a lifetime.
“Gentlemen Corps members, have it also at the back of your minds that NYSC is a platform you can use to showcase your intellect, creativity and ingenuity in contributing your quota to nation-building.
“Be reminded, furthermore that, being assiduously committed to Community Development Service is a sure way you can stand out among your peers and print your names in gold in the sands of time. Note too that serving the fatherland with unreserved loyalty and dedication will surely give you due recognition and handsome reward”
The governor assured the corps members that the government is poised to ensuring their happy stay as well as their personal safety in the Benue State.
“We have put in place adequate measures to ensure your security and safety anywhere you may find yourselves in all the nooks and crannies of the state”
Earlier, the Benue State Coordinator of NYSC, Dankaro Ashumate, expressed appreciation to Governor Alia, who, according to him, has proven to be a beacon of hope for the scheme and a fulcrum of support to corps members.
The state Coordinator expressed optimism that the governor will continue to support all the scheme’s programmes aimed at rendering greater services to the people of the state.
He welcomed the corps members to Benue State and congratulated them on the successful completion of their studies and call-up for national service, urging them to take their orientation course seriously and always remember that NYSC provides a platform for them to contribute their quota to the unity and development of the country, as many before them had done.
“NYSC as an organisation has adequately prepared for your smooth sail during the one year service to your Fatherland. Your camp curriculum and training has been adjusted to meet the demands of life in this 21st century, and I urge you all to participate fully in all these programmes”, he added.
Oath of allegiance was administered on a total of 2,800 prospective corps members deployed to the state by the Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, who was represented by Justice John Shishi.
