The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has charged new Corps members to work towards promoting the needed peaceful co-existence that will engender socio-economic development of their host communities and the state at large.

Governor Abiodun, who stated this while delivering his address at the Swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch C, Stream II of the National Youth Service Corps, at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu, urged them to demonstrate loyalty, dedication, discipline and patriotism in their daily activities.

Represented by Commissioner of Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, the Governor revealed that the State is a leader in youth development initiatives, focusing on job creation, poverty alleviation and food security.

He explained that his administration has implemented various initiatives, including vocational training, entrepreneurship development programmes, scholarships, mentorship programmes, sports and recreational activities, saying these initiatives were aimed at creating a generation of resourceful and self-reliant young people.

"As an administration, we recognise the invaluable role of youth as the driving force behind economic, social and political transformation. Our commitment to youth empowerment is reflected in the numerous programmes designed to equip young people with skills, knowledge and opportunities," Gov. Abiodun said.

Governor Abiodun said that the programme would equip corps members with practical, social and leadership skills essential for moving the country forward, enjoining them to embrace the rigours of the orientation programme,.

Earlier, the State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Olayinka Nasamu had maintained that the 3-weeks orientation exercise was structured and regimented and designed to instill in the corps members with mindset of discipline and sense of self-reliance that would enable confront challenges ahead during and after the service year.

She advised them to identify the social needs of their host communities during their period of service and work towards addressing them, encouraging them to learn at least two skills for self-reliance and self-sustenance towards becoming an employer of labour, as white-collar jobs could not access easily.

According to Information/Public Relations Officer, Sports Development, Ayobami Disu, a total of 2, 665 young graduates were registered, comprising 1, 106 males and 1, 559 females.