Don’t offend your host communities – Gov Eno advises NYSC members

The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has cautioned National Youth Service Corps members posted to the state against engaging in activities that would offend the sensibilities of their host communities.

The governor stated this on Tuesday during the official closing ceremony of 2023 Batch ‘B’ stream I corps members at the NYSC camp, Ikot Itie Udung, in Nsit Atai Local Government Area.

Eno, who was represented by Mr Emmanuel Akpabio, Director, Youths Development in the Ministry of Youths and Sports, admonished them to guard their minds against negative narratives that will not promote unity and development.

He said: “I, therefore, expect you to go out there and affect lives around you positively through selfless service in diverse ways. You should endeavour to coexist mutually with your host communities and refrain from any action that will offend their sensibilities.

“As young Nigerians, I admonish you to guard your minds against negative narratives that will not promote unity and development. As future leaders, I encourage you to have big dreams for yourselves and for the state.”

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While assuring them of his commitment to maintaining their welfare, Eno urged the corps members to make a mark in their Community Development Service (CDS) programme during their one-year stay in the state, even as he promised to intervene in giving the orientation camp a facelift.

Earlier in her address, NYSC state coordinator, Mrs Chinyere Ekwe, urged corps members to build on the skills acquired from the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to empower themselves and become self-reliant.

Ekwe urged corps members posted to their place of primary assignment to be security conscious at all times and avoid night travel.

“Let me warn you against unauthorised journeys. If you are permitted to travel, you must avoid night journeys,” she said.

She appealed to corps members to take the knowledge gained from the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme very seriously as a pathway to job creation.

The state coordinator appealed to NYSC employers to always accept corps members posted to them and make necessary provisions for their welfare.