Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has called on members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) participating in the orientation program in the state to endeavor to acquire new skills that will make them self-employed and employers of Labour after their Service year.

Governor Ikpeazu made the call in his address during the swearing-in ceremony for NYSC 2019 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 orientation course held at the NYSC orientation camp Umunna, Bende Local Government Area of the State on Thursday.

According to the Governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner For Infornation, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, “I wish to commend the NYSC management for introducing skills acquisition into your orientation course content. I urge you to take this aspect of the orientation program serious so that you will be adequately equipped for self-employment after the Service year”.

Governor Ikpeazu called for selfless service to achieve the collective aim of making the country the pride of all citizens and visitors.

“We can only face up to the challenge of the present security situation in the country through collective vigilance and committed efforts of all patriotic citizens. I therefore urge you to make good use of the security lectures and other self development trainings that you will receive during the orientation exercise to better your lots in the society even as government will continue to ensure your safety in the state.”

In her address, the State Cordinator of the NYSC, Lady Bona Fasakin, informed that a total of 1,965 Corp members made up of 1,005 males and 960 females are participating in the current orientation program. She expressed appreciation to the Governor for the assistance and support of the state government to the scheme over the years and solicited for further support to move the scheme forward in the state.

Also speaking, the acting Chairman, NYSC State Governing Board and Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Youth Development, Ugoeze Ifeyinwa Uwasomba, appealed to the state government to support and encourage Corp members posted to the state to embark on community development projects as, according to her, the trend is waning among corp members in the state. She stated that in its forty six year history, the NYSC scheme has “proved itself as a veritable tool for unifying the nation and a force to be reckoned with in the socio-economic development of the nation.”

Meanwhile, the State Commisioner for Infornation, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, has directed state institutions to play the Igbo version of the state anthem as the official version recognized by the Government.

Chief Okiyi who gave the directive in an interview with newsmen at the NYSC orientation camp, Umunna, requested the management of the NYSC scheme in the state to ensure that new corp members are taught the Igbo version of the anthem as one of the ways of getting them familiar with the language and culture of their new hosts. He also called on all schools in the state to ensure they teach thier students the Igbo version of the State Anthem along with the English version of the National Anthem. He further stated that in line with relevant legislation and pronouncements by the Governor, only the Igbo version of the Abia State Anthem should be played at state events after the National Anthem.