Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun has advised corps members not to let their loyalty to Nigeria be marred by their differences but work together to build a national identity which future generations would be proud of.

Oyetola gave the advice on Friday during the swearing-in and official opening ceremony of the 2019 Batch ‘A’ orientation course for corps members deployed to the state at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camp in Ede.

The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Charles Akinola, urged the corps members to join hands with other passionate and committed Nigerians to build a strong national identity for all Nigerians.

“I want you to join efforts with others who are passionate and committed to erecting a bulwark of a strong unified national identity for all Nigerians.

“An identity where every Nigerian will see herself or himself first as a Nigerian before anything else,” he said

Mr Emmanuel Attah, the State Coordinator of NYSC,  said the orientation camp served as the entry point into the one-year mandatory service.

Attah enjoined the corps members to be disciplined, abide by camp rules and regulations and above all participate in all activities in order to have a fulfilling service year.

He said that activities at the orientation camp would serve as veritable platform for corps members to fully interact with their colleagues from other ethnic groups, thereby fostering national unity.

“Your success during the service year is determined to a large extent by your internalising the ideals of the scheme which you will be exposed to during the course of the orientation exercise.

“It is pertinent to inform you that the scheme is not only interested in what you can give to the society in terms of your selfless service and humility, but also in what you become thereafter,” he said

He warned them not to get involved in political activities during the service year, stressing that the scheme remained apolitical.

The Chief Judge of Osun, who was represented by Justice Oyejide Falola, administered the Oath of Allegiance to the 1147 male and 1022 female graduates posted to the state for the one-year mandatory national youths service.

NAN