By Ayodele Oni
Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has sounded what can be regarded as warning signal to outgoing youth corpers not to expect white collar jobs from anywhere.
The Governor said rather than waiting endlessly, the Corpers should tap into experience gained during their service year to set themselves up.
The Governor, who spoke at the passing out parade for the youth corps members in Akure, stated that they should no longer see them selves as youths but grown up citizens.
He assured that the State Government would continue to always provide security to corps members who chose to stay behind.
“ As you now move into the larger society, I want to remind you that you are no longer corps members but mature youths who are expected to create a new identity for yourselves using all you learnt during the service year.
“You are aware that due to the prevailing economic situation in our dear country, paid employment are very rare to come by.
“Consequently, I charge you to use the skills acquired during the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme to be self-employed and become entrepreneurs that will assist to reduce unemployment in our society.
“Let me use this opportunity to assure those of you who have chosen to live in Ondo State, that our government will continue to create an enabling environment for her residents to succeed.
“The government and the good people of Ondo State acknowledge and appreciate your selfless services towards our efforts at building a virile society.
“Our people will forever be grateful to you for all the human developmental projects you executed through your community development service. The legacies you are leaving behind will continue to remain fresh in the memories of these communities.”
Earlier in her address, the State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Victoria Ani, announced that
eighteen corps members that served in Ondo state were sanctioned for contravening the rules guiding the scheme during their service year.
Mrs Ani explained that out of the number, nine Corps members would have their service year extended for various misdemeanors, while nine others would have their service year repeated for absconding from service, subject to the approval of the headquarters of the scheme.
The coordinator, however, pointed out that a Corps member would be rewarded with state honour and twenty five others would receive state coordinator’s commendation certificate.
Mrs Ani called on the Corps members to be good ambassadors and eschew acts of arrogance and rude if they wanted to achieve in life.
She said: “My dear creative, zealous and patriotic children, let me remind you that life will put many red lights in front of you but you need to press harder and see those red lights as stumbling blocks but stepping stones to a greater you.
“You should know that being rude or arrogant will take you nowhere but good manners can open doors which education or qualifications may not open.
“The road to greatness is full of challenges but those who dare to be different will definitely surmount whatever life places before them.
“You need to be inspired by the various motivational speakers and trainers who may seem like they have had it all, but who have struggled to succeed and get to where they are today.”
