Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has urged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members not to be discouraged by the current challenges facing Nigeria.
Mr Makinde gave the charge during the swearing-in of the 2025 Batch C corps members in Iseyin, Oyo State, on Friday.
The governor, represented by Kudirat Mustapha, director of youth development at the Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports, said the corps members were called at a time when Nigeria was facing economic and security challenges.
He reminded them that difficult times produce the greatest innovators and the most resilient leaders.
The governor said Nigeria was not defined by its challenges but by the talents and determination of people like the corps members.
“Do not lose hope in your future, and do not lose hope in this great nation,” he said.
Mr Makinde encouraged them to take the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously.
“You too can become a success story. The Oyo State government, in partnership with the NYSC, will continue to support initiatives that ensure your safety, welfare, and empowerment,” he said.
In his remarks, the NYSC coordinator in Oyo State, Kayode Peters, said the scheme was committed to strengthening the orientation course framework for greater relevance and deeper impact on national service.
The coordinator said 3,598 prospective corps members, comprising 1,036 males and 2,562 females, had successfully registered for the orientation course.
Mr Peters commended Mr Makinde for his support of NYSC, as well as the security agencies and community leaders for ensuring the security of corps members and other citizens.
The Oyo State chief judge, Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice Ezekiel Ajayi, administered the oath of allegiance to the corps members.
(NAN)