Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has encouraged the outgoing batch A stream 1 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to be innovative and determined to discover the vast opportunities that abound in the country by being self-reliant.

Governor Inuwa threw the challenge at the passing-out parade (POP) of Batch A, Stream 1 at the Pantami township stadium in the state capital.

The Governor enjoined the outgoing corps members to exploit the goldmine inherent in agriculture, manufacturing, mining and rendering of social services among other business ventures.

He urged them to key into the policies and programmes of the Federal Republic of Nigeria geared towards youths empowerment, self-employment and economic development.

“As you disengage from the national service, I implore you to remain good ambassadors of the scheme and responsible role models to other youths. You must avoid all forms of social vices and live an exemplary life for our overall development. As future leaders of our country, you should strive hard for the realization of sustainable development”.

He said it is interesting to note that the service year has exposed the young graduates to the core values of the NYSC anchored on patriotism, integrity, efficiency, commitment and teamwork.

These values, the Governor explained, are vital ingredients necessary for the unity and socio-economic development of the country.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya, therefore, commended them for their invaluable contributions through group and individual community development projects in the nooks and crannies of Gombe State in various spheres of life such as education, sports, agriculture and other critical sectors of socio-economic development.

“We thank you for the selfless efforts in making our communities better, particularly the strengthening of our health initiatives for rural dwellers programme across the state by providing free medical interventions. It is gratifying that you approached every task assigned in the course of your service with open mind and dedication”.

Governor Inuwa maintained that the end of every service year represents an important stage in the lives of young graduates as it marks the beginning to explore the world out there.

“The knowledge and experience gained during the service year will prove useful for the challenges of today and tomorrow. I encourage you to be innovative and determined to discover the vast opportunities that abound in our nation by being self-employees. You should exploit the goldmine inherent in agriculture, manufacturing, mining and rendering of social services among other business ventures”.

The Governor observed that the passing out parade is not the end of service to the nation as according to him, the task of nation-building is painstaking and continuous.

To this end, the Gombe State Governor enjoined them to be critical participants in the nation’s regeneration project.

“The nation is immensely grateful to you for your dedication and patriotism. It is my hope that your faith in Nigeria will persist and permeate your souls as you strive for greater heights for which you are all destined”.

Earlier speaking, the Gombe State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Ada Imoni disclosed that a total of four hundred and twenty-two Corps members are released into the labour market out of which two absconded while one got a service extension after facing a disciplinary committee of the scheme.  

The Gombe NYSC coordinator solicited the support of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya towards the successful passage of the NYSC Trust Fund Bill.

Adah Imoni used the occasion to thank the Gombe State Governor for his continuous support and encouragement of the Corps members in the State.

Some corps members who distinguished themselves during the cause of their service year were honoured at the event.

The highlight of the occasion was an inspection of the parade mounted by the youth corps members.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s entourage at the passing-out parade ceremony included the Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, Secretary to the state government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, chief of staff government House, Abubakar Inuwa Kari, Commissioners,  Special Advisers and other government functionaries.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General
( Press Affairs)
Government House
Gombe