The 2013 Batch ‘B’ corps members deployed to Imo State for the compulsory one-year service were yesterday sworn-in amidst jubilation.

The corps members numbering over 2,000 are drawn from various institutions in Nigeria and deployed to the state in line with the scheme’s vision for national integration and unity.

In his address during the official opening of the orientation course at Umudi community in Nkwerre council area, Governor Rochas Okorocha urged the corps members to participate actively in all activities lined up by their instructors, which he said are geared towards training and molding them for future leadership role.

The governor who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Sir Jude Ejiogu, stated that the orientation programmes provide a veritable platform for the mental and physical training that would enable the participants to withstand the rigours of the service year. He said the exercise also provide them with the opportunity to meet, interact and make new friends from other ethnic backgrounds.

Continuing, Okorocha said that the service year would shape their conscience to purge off all prejudices held ignorantly about other ethnic groups, especially when the individual had not previously mingled with such ethnic groups.

He described the corps members as critical partners in government’s quest for national growth and development and enjoined them to assist the government at all times by being law abiding, disciplined and diligent to the host community as well as places of primary assignment.

On the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills by corps members, Okorocha described the training as a good economic enhancement initiative and enjoined all to participate meaningfully to enable them stand independently as employers of labour rather than job seekers.

He assured the management of NYSC in the state of government’s determination to always provide enabling environment, support and assist to enable the scheme achieve its goals and objectives. He disclosed that the state government has put in place necessary machinery for the foundation laying of the new Orientation Camp, scheduled to be completed in a couple of months.

Speaking also, the Imo State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Chinwe Ojukwu, stated that the orientation course was the major programme of the service year designed to induct new entrants into the scheme with a view to preparing them adequately for the expectations and challenges of the exercise. She said it provides the corps members the opportunity to internalise the ideals of the scheme as well as get exposed to its modus operandi.

Mrs. Ojukwu listed programmes lined up for training to include, Para-Military Drills, Physical Training, Skills Acquisition, Man ‘O’ War activities as well as sports, drama, dance and cooking competitions organised on platoon basis.

Swearing in the 2013 Batch ‘B’ corps members, the Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Benjamin Njamanze, represented by Justice Nonye Okoronkwo, charged them to build a nation whose strong hold revolves around unity, prosperity, egalitarianism and peace. He also advised them to respect their elders and those in the leadership positions as well as to appreciate and cherish the culture and traditions of the people.

On his, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Kenneth Emelu, urged the corps members to exhibit high level of discipline and diligence in the orientation camp. He assured that his ministry would always fight for the cause of youths in the state irrespective of tribe or cultural background even as he hinted that several opportunities abound in the state for a serious minded individual.

Similar swearing-in programmes were held across the country for Batch ‘B’ corps members posted to various states by the NYSC Headquarters in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

•Photo shows corps members.