Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has advised National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state to avail themselves the opportunity of acquiring skills while in the state.
Ikpeazu gave the advice at Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia during his interactive session with the corps members.
The governor who further advised them not to deride noble professions,said that having acquired requisite knowledge from their various institutions, it is pertinent that they acquire skills so as to be useful to themselves,the society as well as becoming employers of labour.
He disclosed that the state government has skills acquisition centres across the state where all kinds of skills can be acquired.
Describing Abia as an indisputable SME capital of Nigeria, governor Okezie urged the NYSC to beam their searchlight on Abia in their proposed skill acquisition centres across the state adding that the state government will assist them.
On the issue of unpaid allowances of Corps members serving in Ministries and Agencies, Governor Ikpeazu said he will ensure that their allowances will be offset starting from this month.
Governor Ikpeazu hinted that the interactive session with the corps members in the state was part of his administration’s effort to communicate with all strata of the society in order to give them a sense of belonging.
Chairman of the NYSC governing board and Commissioner for Youth Development, Iyke Anyatonwu, in his address noted that the Scheme is a vehicle mobilizing the youths for national integration adding that Abia is appreciative of the noble roles corps members are playing in the development of Abia.
According to him, corps members should reciprocate the state government’s gesture by joining hands with the present administration in its resolve for a better Abia.
Earlier, the Abia NYSC Coordinator,Mrs Francisca Ifon pleaded with government to address the irregular payment of allowances of Corps members in the state.
Ifon appreciated the cordial relationship existing between the state government and the NYSC s thecheme and expressed optimism that programme will deepen the confidence between the two.
