Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to respect the cultures and norms of their host communities during their service year.

Mr Oborevwori gave the advice on Tuesday at the swearing-in ceremony of Batch C, Stream 1 corps members at NYSC Orientation Camp in Issele Uku.

Represented by Tonukari Johnbull, the education commissioner, Mr Oborevwori, pledged his continued support to ensure the scheme’s success in Delta.

“I welcome you to the state. I congratulate you all on the successful completion of your various academic programmes, which made it possible for you to be here,” stated Mr Oborevwori. “Most of you have been posted outside your states and geopolitical regions to broaden your understanding of the various cultures and people within the Nigerian federation.”

The Delta governor urged the corps members to see the service period as understanding and appreciating the cultural values of fellow Nigerians among whom they will serve.

“I appeal to you to do away with whatever negative opinions or fears you held before now about either the state or your host community,” said Mr Oborevwori.

He urged them to see the period of their orientation and induction course as another significant period designed to instil some discipline and the spirit of national fellowship in them.

“The period is designed to accelerate national development and unity through the inculcation of the virtues of humility, sacrifice and dedicated service to the nation and its people,” the Delta governor explained. “As youths, you have often been described as the leaders of tomorrow.”

Mr Oborevwori urged them to apply themselves fully to the physical, psychological and cultural training they would be subjected to during the orientation programme.

The NYSC coordinator in Delta, Olusegun Alao, urged corps members to be good ambassadors of their families and respective schools while on camp and beyond.

(NAN)