Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Corps members deployed to Anambra State for their national service have been warned against meddling in local politics or challenging the traditional practices of their host communities.
The State Coordinator of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Mrs. Blessing Iruma, gave the charge on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of 2024 Batch ‘A’ Stream 2 orientation course at Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Awka South Local Government Area of the state.
She urged them to appreciate their cultures and traditions as they quickly adapt and integrate themselves into the communities.
She said, “As soon as you report to your Places of Primary Assignment try to integrate yourselves into your host communities. In the process, appreciate their cultures and traditions but do not challenge their traditional practices nor meddle in their local politics.
“As a group or individuals, strive to identify their felt needs and take steps to address them thereby leaving those communities better than you met them.”
Describing their nine days of in-camp SEAD training as impressive, Iruma enjoined the corps members to enroll in post-camp training, get certified, articulate bankable proposals as major steps to greatness.
“I need to re-emphasise the stand of management on the use of social media. Endeavour to use the social media to promote Unity, Peace and National Development as well as the improvement of self. Shun any tendency to use social media negatively under any guise.
“The country values you immensely and wants you to remain alive to contribute to the development of self and the nation. Therefore, shun any unauthorised journey and night travels.
“These ventures are risky as embarking on such movements have often resulted in accident, deaths, kidnapping and other negative consequences.
“You are therefore advised to cut short your trips from six O’clock in the evening and pass the night in barracks, family houses, and other safe locations,” she added.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo restated his administration’s commitment to adequate security of life and property, which he said had transformed the state to one of the safest in Nigeria.
Speaking through Commissioner for Youths and Development, Patrick Agha Mba disclosed plans to open one of the biggest recreational centres in the country – the Solution Fun City as well as a 5-Star Hotel in the state capital.
“There would hardly be any meaningful development without adequate security of life and property. My administration is aware of this and has transformed the state to one of the safest in Nigeria through massive investment in crime prevention as well as job creation.
“This explains the air of peace and tranquility pervading the entire landscape of the state. So feel free to move in the state without fear of any kind.
“The vision of our government is to create a Liveable and Prosperous Homeland by turning Anambra State into a Smart Mega City hence the massive investment in road construction, regional planning of some areas for industrial clusters, building of bridges and flyovers, water project and coordinated transport system.
“Over 400 Kilometers of road is under construction across the state and over 250 had been completed and after more than a decade, pipe born water has returned to the state. In addition to this, our Clean and Green policy in waste management and environmental conservation had made life sweeter and better in our urban cities.
“There is no doubt in my mind that the natural environment breathes healthy living. As a result, waste management is given pride of place and planting of at least a tree by every person residing in the state yearly is gradually becoming like a religious ritual.
“Very soon, we will be opening one of the biggest recreational centres in the country – the Solution Fun City as well as a 5-Star Hotel in the state capital. This is targeted at ensuring that Anambra state becomes the centre of tourist attraction in Nigeria,” he said.
