Oritsegbugbemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Federal Government has inaugurated the Bayelsa State new NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Boro town in the Kaiama Local Government Area of the State.
The Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare during the inauguration commended Governor Duoye Diri for providing a conducive environment through several gestures for the NYSC Bayelsa State Secretariat, which has enhanced the smooth conduct of the Scheme’s operations.
The Minister, who was represented at the ceremony by the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General YD Ahmed said the Governor’s administration has produced lots of people-oriented policies and programs which have resulted in dividends of democracy.
“Let me on behalf of the National Youth Service Corps congratulate you on the accomplishment made so far in the delivery of democracy dividends.
“It is also gratifying to note that a state government under your leadership has continued to demonstrate support to the NYSC. This you have done through several gestures that have enhanced the smooth conduct of our operations, including regular payment of monthly state allowance of corps members as well as provision of transport fare upon completion of their national service.
“The provision of this permanent orientation camp is another testimony of your passion for the progress of Nigerian youths, who are being trained for citizenship and leadership roles on the platform of this noble scheme.
“Indeed, this facility will not only ensure the efficient conduct of orientation courses. It will also serve as a morale booster to both corps members and corps officials. We shall continue to reciprocate your kind gesture through the deployment of more corps members to contribute to the national development of the state and their host communities.”
The minister congratulated Governor Diri on his third anniversary in office and for his youth-friendly policies, which he said have impacted not only youths of the state but Nigerian youths at large.
Governor Diri while giving His remarks recalled how the orientation camp was sited in its present location when he was Commissioner for Youth and Sports during the late Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha administration.
He expressed satisfaction that his vision and desire for the state NYSC permanent orientation camp became a reality at a time he is governor of the state.
He said: “The moment my predecessor took over as governor, one of the projects he had in mind was the construction of a permanent orientation camp here in Kaiama and I am so happy that my vision has been fulfilled.
“Initially, there were some challenges associated with youth restiveness and this facility was not spared. But I was determined that this orientation camp must be put to use.
“So, in consultation with the NYSC, we fenced around the camp and ensured that solar lights were put in place apart from the renovation and other facilities we constructed to make this camp what it is now.”
Governor Diri also directed that, new hostels be built for male and female corps members as well as that a memo is forwarded for payment of transport allowance to each corps member at the end of their orientation.
Diri charged corps members that are INEC ad hoc staff during the general election to live above board by resisting the influence of politicians who buy votes.
Speaking further, he appealed to other State Governors to upgrade the facilities in their respective Orientation Camps to accommodate at least five thousand Corps Members.
“We will continue to partner with Federal agencies for the overall development of our State and the country”, the Governor said.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Moses Teibowei, said the NYSC camp, which was located temporarily at Government College, Kaiama, became inconvenient when their activities began to clash with the school curriculum.
Teibowei asserted that in line with the governor’s desire to deliver vital projects, the ministry commenced the rehabilitation of the vandalized structure inherited from his predecessor.
He noted that additional structures were added to the already existing facility, including a generator house, volleyball pitch, 30-unit external toilets, installation of solar lights, and construction of a network of roads.
Also speaking, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Charity Okpalifo, thanked the governor for being accessible, describing him as a companionate and pragmatic leader.
Present at the ceremony was the wife of the governor, Dr. Gloria, the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, other state legislators as well as the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Solomon Agwana among other top government functionaries.
Follow us on twitter
