Eno tells corps members to view postings as a privilege to serve the nation

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Umo Eno, called on corps members posted to the state to view their assignment as a unique privilege to serve the nation with dedication, honesty and self‑lessness.

He made the remarks during the closing ceremony of the 2023 Batch A Stream 2 orientation course for corps members posted to Akwa Ibom, which took place at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Nsit‑Antai Local Government Area on Tuesday.

Eno was represented at the event by Mr Anthony Isonguyo, Director of Administration and Supply, who also serves as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development in the state. Isonguyo conveyed the governor’s charge that the corps members should educate the public about their civic duties in building an egalitarian and peaceful society.

“I am particularly delighted that you braved up to the challenges and rigours of the exercise without any casualties. As you may know, the orientation course which you have successfully undergone is an essential aspect of the National Service Corps scheme.”

“You are therefore expected to play crucial roles in sensitizing our people on their civic responsibilities towards building an egalitarian, peaceful, and prosperous society.”

“Your educational background, acquired skills, and deployment to different parts of the state eminently qualifies you to vigorously pursue these ideals.”

“I therefore urge you to accept your posting as a rare opportunity to serve your fatherland with honesty, dedication, and selflessness,” Eno said.

The governor, impressed by the corps members’ conduct during the orientation, urged them to maintain those virtues throughout the service year and beyond.

He added, “I received heartwarming reports regarding your commendable conduct and cooperation with camp officials throughout the orientation course. I encourage you to sustain these virtues of humility, discipline, and loyalty throughout your service year and beyond.”

Eno highlighted the hospitality of the Akwa Ibom people and advised the corps members to integrate fully with local communities while respecting cultural norms and values.

“Please be assured that Akwa Ibom State is peaceful and highly hospitable. You only need to integrate freely with the people while respecting their social and cultural values and aspirations, even after your service year.”

“You may also wish to note that your predecessors left remarkable legacies in various spheres of human endeavour within the state. It therefore behoves you to maintain and even surpass,” he said.

The governor also cautioned the corps members against traveling at night for any reason, recommending that they stop at a corps lodge, police station or military barracks after 6 p.m. if they must travel.