The NYSC Osun State Governing Board Chairman and Honourable Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Lawal Azeez Olayemi had on Saturday informed Corps Members that the Board is sparing no efforts in ensuring that Corps Members serving in the State enjoy free medical care under the Osun State Health Insurance Scheme.

Hon. Lawal made this known at the Cultural Carnival of the 2022 Batch A Stream 1 Orientation Course which held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede on Saturday.

Hon. Lawal told the Members that the Board is working assiduously to ensure their inclusion in the State Health Insurance Scheme which according to him will make the members begin to enjoy the same medical benefit that workers in the State enjoy.

Hon. Lawal appreciated the NYSC Scheme, the Osun State Coordinator, Mrs Winifred Shokpeka and the entire Camp Community for their efforts, commitment and reseillance in ensuring the future of the nation is adequately trained and prepared.

Lawal stated that the youths are the future of the nation and therefore nothing should be spared in ensuring their well-being and safety. He lauded the Scheme for introducing the Cultural Carnival into the Orientation program. According to him, this makes it possible for Corps Members to see other cultures other than their own culture in display therefore, creating a deep sense of appreciation and respect of other cultures.

He urged the Corps Members to leverage on the various opportunities provided by the Scheme to ensure they add value to themselves and also create friendships that will transcend now. He called on them to always walk in unity and embrace teamwork as they have done during the three weeks Orientation Programme.

Hon. Lawal while concluding, charged the Members to shun acts capable of soiling their names and be true ambassadors of their Alma Mater and the Scheme. He admonished them to allow the trainings they have received during the Orientation to guide their conduct and attitude while they navigate through the other cardinal programmes of the Scheme.

Meanwhile, the NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mrs Winifred Shokpeka, in her speech told the corps members to have fun responsibly as the cultural carnival marks the end of social activities on camp.

She stated that the cultural carnival was incorporated into the Scheme's orientation programme to showcase the depth
and beauty in our diverse cultures which according to her should not divide us, rather bond us together as one indivisible entity.

"our diversity is our strength not our weakness. Therefore, same way we are gathered today to celebrate and appreciate the diverse cultures that we have, let us also in our actions, words and disposition appreciate and celebrate our differences, seeing it not as a threat but strength " she added.

Earlier, the Head of Man ’O’ War, Mr Waheed Dunmoye urged the corps members to be proud of their cultures and encouraged the judges and the participating corps members to give their best in the spirit of the competition.

The event featured various performances , beginning with the camp officials opening dance, to platoons’ cultural performances and then special performances from the Medical Team, Orientation Broadcasting Service, Band, Servicom and the Quarter Guard.

Cultures displayed during the carnival were Igbo culture by Platoon 1, Osun Osogbo by Platoon 2, Ibibio culture by Platoon 3, Tiv, Fulani, Eyo Festival and Edo Benin Culture displayed by Platoon 4, 5.6 and 7 respectively. Platoons 8,9 and 10 displayed the Efik, Urhobo and Ebira cultures beautifully.

At the end of the keenly contested competition sponsored by Guinness and Closeup, Platoon 8 emerge 1st with 47.6points while platoons 9 and 5 emerged 2nd and third with 46.6points and 46.3points respectively.

The event also featured the celebration of Corps Members and Camp officials born in the Month of March by the State Coordinator.

Brilliant