No fewer than 1,800 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to Bayelsa State, on Tuesday, commenced orientation at the permanent orientation facility at Boro Town, Kaiama, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.

The orientation exercise was the first at the new site being constructed by the state government.

The project, which is almost completed, was conceptualised in 2006 but was started by the immediate past Senator Seriake Dickson administration and inherited by his successor, Senator Douye Diri.

Speaking during the swearing in of the 2021 Batch C Stream 2 corps members at the permanent orientation site, Governor Diri assured them of their wellbeing and safety during the service year.

He recalled how as Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in 2006, he was instrumental to siting of the orientation facility in Kaiama during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan when he was governor of the state.

Governor Diri appreciated his predecessor for commencing the construction of the permanent site.

He said his administration will put finishing touches to the camp to make the corps members comfortable.

He charged them to take their national assignment seriously and adhere to laws of the land, particularly those guiding the service.

The state helmsman also commended the state coordinator and officials of the NYSC in Bayelsa for their effort in making the scheme a success in the state.

His words: “Let me appreciate and thank former Governor Seriake Dickson for building the permanent site in Kaiama.

“I am sure that since you came into Bayelsa, you would have interacted and seen that the people love guests and visitors. If you have not had the chance, with time you would see and be convinced that the people of Bayelsa are very hospitable.

"I join the coordinator in also cautioning you to keep to the rules and regulations that govern the service.

“On behalf of the prosperity administration and the good people of Bayelsa, I assure you that Bayelsa is open for you for as long as you are ready for Bayelsa. Wherever you are posted to, try and be part and parcel of the society."

Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Elizabeth Iyowuna, thanked the state government for its support to the scheme, particularly the construction of the permanent site.

She urged corps members to take the orientation programme seriously and focus on being self-reliant after service rather than joining the long queue of job seekers.

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