The NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mrs Winifred Shokpeka, has charged the 2053 corps members deployed to Osun State and those dislodged from Lagos State to learn to be self-reliant as they go through the orientation course.

She said this while delivering the Director General's address at the low-key swearing-in and official opening ceremony of the orientation course for the 2021 Batch C Stream II Corps Members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede on Tuesday.

Shokpeka congratulated the corps members on the successful swearing in that ushers them into the service year proper stressing that the oath they had taken was the first step in becoming bona-fide members of the Scheme and further ushers them into the first phase of the service year.

The State Coordinator made it known that a total of 2053 corps members comprising of 1175 females and 878 males respectively were sworn in. She said further that the total figure comprise of 1415 Osun corps members and 638 members dislodged from Lagos for the three weeks orientation programme.

She stated that the scheme is a platform for the prerequisite national orientation and development, to build a peaceful and egalitarian society, and to achieve the dreams of the nation's founding fathers.

"I want you to see your mobilisation as a privilege to join the team of nation builders who are committed to the business of building a united and egalitarian society for all to live. A society where we see ourselves first as Nigerians before anything else.

"I therefore urge you to shun every form of religious intolerance and ethnic bigotry that has threatened the unity of our nation. See yourselves as change catalyst and strive to focus on and do things that fosters oneness and unity wherever you find yourself.

"be good ambassadors of the NYSC and your family. Do not indulge yourself in vices but rather take hold of the programmes and trainings packaged into the orientation programme of the Scheme to developed yourself positively and imbibe virtues needed to live a good life.

She further advised them to refrain from the abuse of the social media and rather use the social media to project themselves, the Scheme and their country positively. She also charged them to refrain from hate speeches and anything that can put the spotlight on them negatively, as much is expected of them by the society and their famiies as well.

She made it known that within the period of the orientation programme, Corps members will engage in various such as: paramilitary drills, meditation, sports, social and cultural activities, all geared towards making the great leaders and self reliant.

According to her, the management was intentional about the deployment policies as it is aimed at broadening the perception of corps members to build lasting friendships and integrate and unite Nigerians of differing backgrounds and ideological inclinations.

The corps members were enjoined to familiarize themselves with the NYSC ACT and Bye Laws and to exhibit a high level of discipline and optimism as they navigate the service year.

Speaking on COVID-19, Shokpeka told the participants to take their health seriously and ensure they get vaccinated as the Scheme is working assiduously to ensure the vaccines are made available to the members. She urged the members to leverage on this to safeguard their lives and that of others.

She implored them to continue to adhere to all the prescribed COVID-19 protocols of social distancing, regular washing of the hands and proper use of the nose mask.

In concluding, she called on the corps members to be fully prepared to participate actively in all camp activities as all the activities have been carefully put together to instil the necessary training needed for the successful navigation of the other three cardinal programmes of the Scheme.

Also, She emphasised on the need for the Corps Members to ensure strict compliance with the rules of the NYSC.

The National pledge and oath of allegiance were administered on the corps members by the Honorable Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo who was represented by Hon. Justice Lawrence Olawale Arojo.