NYSC: Youth Devt Commissioner lays foundation for corps members’ lodge
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem has laid a foundation for a corps members’ lodge, at Community Comprehensive Secondary School, Four Towns, Uyo, recently.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Assistant Director, Administration and Supplies of the Ministry, Mr. Anthony Isonguyo, lauded the ingenuity of the project initiator, Corps member Ekemini Idongesit, describing the initiative as a noble one and promised the Ministry’s support towards the successful completion of the building.
“I can assure you that the Ministry of Youth Development will do all it takes to complete this project,” he said.
Stating that NYSC will continue to remain a beacon of unity, service and nation building, considering corps members contribution to bridging the manpower gap in schools and ensuring quality education, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh, who was represented by Mrs Edoama Sampson, applauded Ekemini Idongesit for her doggedness to embark on a legacy project.
Also, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Sam Pepple, represented by Comrade Femi Festus and the Principal General of the School, lauded the corps member’s vision and called on the government to support the initiative for timely completion.
Setting the tone for the event, the initiator of the project, Corps member Ekemini Idongesit disclosed that the vision was borne out of sheer need to bridge the gap of accommodation challenges faced by corps members after their orientation exercise.
“I saw how corps members were stranded after orientation exercise at the Orientation Camp because of inadequate lodge for them in the States. This is the gap I want to bridge.
“The ugly incident of robbery and rape, which took place recently, with an adverse effect of the Akwa Ibom State National Youth Service Corps State Coordinator, Mr. Sam Pepple recalling corps members from schools also spurred me,” she added.
While appreciating the school management for donating land for the project, which is her Community Development Service (CDS), Ekemini called on the government, well meaning individuals and corporate bodies to support the initiative, as she hopes to replicate the project in other government secondary schools within the State.
“This, when completed would boost security and save corps members from the payment of exorbitant rent.”
The event was graced by NYSC officials and stakeholders of the Four Towns Community, among others.
