Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has appealed to the private sector to invest in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme by sponsoring community development projects undertaken by corps members.

Mr Oborevwori made the appeal on Friday at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch C, Stream 2, corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Issele-Uku.

Nyerhovwo Tonukari, the state commissioner for higher education, represented the governor.

He said the investment would improve the living standards of corps members’ host communities.

“I appeal to Nigerian youths to remain strong despite challenges, including the contemporary issues of insecurity in some parts of the country.

“I am aware that in response to the challenge of youth unemployment, the NYSC management has introduced the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to provide opportunities for corps members to acquire skills of their choice,” he said.

The governor urged the corps members to take full advantage of the programme during their orientation course.

“My administration is committed to supporting NYSC with the necessary resources, encouragement, and enabling environment to foster progress in the scheme,” he said.

Mr Oborevwori said the state government had sensitised and mobilised all stakeholders, including communities, to prioritise the security and welfare of corps members serving in the state.

“The state government is continuously striving to make this camp more conducive and leave a lasting positive impression on you,” the governor said.

Mr Oborevwori said the government was determined to transform the NYSC camp at Issele-Uku into one of the best in terms of capacity and facilities.

Kingsley Emu, the secretary to the Delta State government, urged the corps members to adapt to meet the demands of transitioning from the ivory towers to a more challenging environment.

“As you brace up to tackle the challenges ahead, I charge you to commit yourselves fully to the demanding physical and psychological training you will undergo during the three-week orientation course,” he said.

John Kwaghe, Delta State coordinator of NYSC, commended the corps members for dedication, discipline, and readiness to serve.

He urged them to apply the knowledge and skills they would acquire during their orientation course.

Mr Kwaghe said 2,159 prospective corp members, comprising 993 males and 1,166 females, had been registered in the camp.

(NAN)