By Praise Chinecherem
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has charged corps members deployed to the state for their national service to shun cultism, drug addiction, substance abuse, cyber crime, kidnapping and other negative tendencies.
He said such vices, rather than promote individuals and societies, degrade the society with devastating effects on those who engage in them.
Declaring open 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream I Orientation Course at the NYSC permanent camp in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Soludo called on law enforcement agents, traditional and religious rulers, town unions, to join forces in stamping out the vices.
He said, “I charge all corps members to shun negative tendencies like cultism, drug addiction, substance abuse, cyber crime, kidnapping and other vices.
“I therefore, call on Law Enforcement Agents, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Traditional Rulers, Town Unions, Faith-based Organizations to join hands in vigorous campaigns to stamp out these vices in our society.”
The governor also disclosed lunching of a coding skill training tagged “Coach Anambra programme” in two weeks time, urging corps members who are not good in coding and IT skills to tap into the opportunities.
“This is the state that is promoting that. Our Solution Innovation District is also piloting affairs of entrepreneurial skills for innovation and acquisitions for various digital skills.
“It is crystal clear that the youth form not less than 65 percent of the world population. They are equally the vibrant, energetic, innovative and creative segment of the society. So, the society holds them to a high esteem.
“Therefore, my administration will leave no stone unturned to accommodate this very important part of the population and make them not only useful to themselves but beneficial to the entire society,” he said.
Acknowledging immense contributions of the scheme to development of society, particularly in the areas of education, health, agriculture and rural infrastructure, Soludo pledged continued support of the operators of the scheme in the state.
“May I equally add that my doors are open to the management of the scheme and therefore can access the government house at any time of the day.
“I have confidence in your commitment to ensuring the value re-orientation and character mould of these patriots towards transformation that will in-turn impact greatly on national development,” he added.
Earlier, State Coordinator, Mrs. Blessing Iruma disclosed that a total of 1,500 prospective corps members, comprising 714 male and 786 female were registered and had quickly adjusted to new camp environment and participating actively in camp activities.
“As you are aware, the national focus for the youth appears to be on acquisition of skills, owing to the scarcity of white-collar jobs so, the NYSC has risen to the occasion by the introduction of Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme.
“It is therefore, expected that every prospective corps member would acquire a skill during the nine days of SAED sensitization, lectures and hands-on training,” she said.
