By Prosper Okoye
The paramount ruler of the Idoma kingdom, His Royal Majesty Agabaidu, John Elaigwu, Och’Idoma V has expressed commitment to supporting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Trust Fund and the scheme in general.
The Och’Idoma said this during a courtesy visit paid to him by the NYSC Benue State Coordinator, Mr Abe Dankaro, and some management staff, on Tuesday at his Otukpo palace in Benue State.
While recounting his achievements during his service year, Agabaidu stated that NYSC played a major role in the preparation of Nigerian graduates to become productive in the labour market, which in turn drives unity and national development. He, however, lamented that the scheme is fast losing the respect, honour, and support it deserves.
“During my days, as corps members we had a lot of support from the community and the leaders, which enabled us to make great impacts in the lives of the people but the narrative is different today,” he said.
The royal father, therefore, called on governments and other national stakeholders to reignite their support and love for the scheme, and most importantly for corps members, who offer themselves in selfless service for the advancement of the nation.
The Idoma king said that the NYSC Trust Fund which is aimed at assisting to address the infrastructure deficit in the scheme and provide business start-up capitals for corps members is a laudable innovation which ought to be supported by all public spirited individual.
Commending the NYSC Benue State Coordinator and his team for the visit, and their commitment to upholding the NYSC scheme, he assured of his support in words and in deeds for the progress of the scheme.
Speaking, Mr Dankaro, appreciated the Och’Idoma for his disposition to the National Youth Service Scheme, adding that the NYSC family is proud to have a royal father like him, and would continue to work tirelessly for the development of the Otukpo kingdom and Nigeria in general.
Mr Dankaro prayed for the peaceful reign of the Och’Idoma and that God Almighty should continue to give him more wisdom, good health, and favour to rule over his kingdom.
A Highlight of the visit was the presentation of some NYSC publications to Och’Idoma.