Governor Umaru Bago of Niger, has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the state to embrace his government’s agricultural revolution agenda.
Bago made the call at the end of the 2024 Batch B, Stream One orientation course at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Paiko.
Represented by Dr Nuhu Ngaski, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the governor said that the agenda was aimed at boosting food production in the state.
He said that the current administration was taking advantage of the agriculture-friendly nature of the state to create avenue for farmers to invest.
“We are taking advantage of the endowments in agriculture and its value chain to reposition our state for sustainable socio-economic development.
“I encourage you to develop interest in agriculture in order to create more wealth, produce more food and become self-reliant,” he said.
Bago reiterated the state government’s commitment to promoting youth development through agriculture and other policy initiatives.
He urged the corps member to become agents of positive change in their places of primary assignment.
“Endeavour to make a difference by supporting the less privileged, promote peace and unity within your host communities.
“As a government, we assure you of adequate security and safety during your stay in the state. We are committed to your safety and well-being during the service year,” he said.
In her address, Mrs Abdulwahab Olayinka, the NYSC Coordinator in Niger, charged the corps members to adopt the lessons of sacrifice as a guiding principle during the service year.
She enjoined them not to reject their postings, but to accept their stay in the state as a period of service to their fatherland.
“Move gallantly to your places of primary assignments and endeavour to leave positive footprints behind.
“Direct your attention and energy to education, health, agriculture, rural infrastructure and enlightenment campaigns,” she said.
Olayinka urged the youths to avoid acts that would endanger their lives, adding,”do not indulge in criminal acts, being a corp member does not grant you immunity against prosecution”