By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state has urged the newly deployed corps members to the state to learn new skills while undergoing their mandatory one year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
The Governor gave the counsel on Friday at the swearing-in ceremony for the 2025 batch A, (Stream 1) corps members, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare Akoko.
Represented by His Deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor said it is essential for every Nigerian graduate to have hands-on skills to be globally competitive.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the security and welfare of corps members serving in the state, charging them to respect the culture of their host communities and contribute their quota to its development.
The Governor further assured of regular payment of monthly allowance to corps members posted to public establishments in the state.
In her address, the Ondo State Director of NYSC, Kuburat Bakare, said a total of 2,139 corps members have been registered so far since the camp opened three days ago.
Bakare charged participants to comport themselves in a disciplined manner and take advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, designed to empower corps members with valuable skills that will make them self-reliant after the service year.
On her part, Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Tolu Adeyemi, thanked the governor for prioritizing the welfare of youths, and corps members serving in the state.