Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has called on the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to always defend the unity of the country.
He advised them to stay away from persons agitating for break up of Nigeria.
Okorocha spoke on Friday at the opening of the orientation course for the 2017 Batch ‘A’ Stream (II) corps members at the NYSC Permanent Camp, Eziama Obaire, Nkwerre Local Government area.
Okorocha, represented by Basil Aharanwa, permanent secretary in the Deputy Governor’s Office, said that corps members were important stakeholders in the country’s quest for a better life for the people.
“The nation is ours; we must do everything possible to defend its unity for our own good.
“I implore you, as you join the scheme today, to reach out to the people of your host community in your little way to promote the unity and well being of the people you will be exposed to,” he said.
The governor called on them to avoid hate speeches, divisive comments, rumour mongering and but to remain disciplined, focused and law abiding.
He congratulated the corps members on their deployment to serve Imo, assuring that his government would reward corps members that distinguish themselves in the service year.
State NYSC Coordinator, James Olugbodi, said that the orientation course had been structured to adequately prepare the corps members for the task ahead, particularly against the rigours of the service year.
He disclosed that 1,515 corps members were posted to the state comprising 777 males and 738 females.
