Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has called on corps members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) to join his agricultural revolution agenda to increase food production that will be sufficient for the state in particular and the country at large.
He made the call at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Batch B Stream One Orientation course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation camp in Paikoro Local Government Area of the State.
Bago, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry for Youth and Sports Development, Dr. Ngaski, Nuhu, said his government will support all youth organisations willing to go on the path of agriculture.
He said his administration is taking advantage of endowments in the agricultural value chain as well as other sectors to reposition the state for sustainable socio-economic development.
“We encourage you to develop an interest in agriculture and the agricultural value chain, as our government is committed to supporting all youths willing to take up agriculture.
“We have taken a bold step in the green initiative to diversify the state’s economy and make Niger State the green economy hub of Nigeria,” he said.
He thereby implored the corps members to be agents of change in their host communities, make a difference by empowering the less privileged, and promote peace and unity amongst diverse groups.
The governor assured the corps members of adequate security, adding that the state government was committed to ensuring their safety and well-being during their service year.
Earlier in her welcome address, the NYSC Coordinator in Niger State, Mrs. Abdulwahab Olayinka, charged the corps members to use the lessons of sacrifice learned to serve as guiding principles during their service year.
She enjoined them not to reject their postings; rather, they should move to their areas of primary assignments and embark on projects that would add value to the lives and needs of their host communities.
“I enjoin you not to reject those postings; rather, you should move gallantly into your areas of primary assignments and strive to leave behind imprints,” she said.
Olayinka advised them to direct their attention to education, health, agriculture, rural infrastructure, and enlightenment campaigns and put to use all the camp training.
She urged them to be security conscious and avoid acts that would endanger their lives, adding that being a corps member does not confer immunity from the legal consequences of criminal cases.
The state NYSC Coordinator further appreciated the state governor’s provision of food, water, and stipends to corps members and pledged the scheme’s support for the state’s green economy initiative.
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