YOU ARE THE FUTURE OF TODAY, IT IS YOURS FOR THE TAKING - Olórí Afolabi

The Olori of Apomu Kingdom, Olori Janet Mba Afolabi, has encouraged the 2021 Batch C Stream II corps members to take charge of their lives as they owe the future to themselves.

She made this known while addressing the corps members during the cultural carnival held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede, on Saturday.

Starting off her speech, she appreciated the NYSC Scheme, the Osun State Coordinator, Mrs Winifred Shokpeka and their entire Camp Community for the warmth and love in which she was welcomed.

"Truly, this speaks of a unified nation and acts such as this only builds bonds and draws us closer", she added.

While admonishing the corps members, she urged them to take charge of their current states as individuals in the society, stating that the future belongs to them and a change would only come if they take the proper action.

She admonished the corps members as they head for their places of primary assignment to be security conscious and not be in a hurry to meet and understand people but rather make friends that will add value to their lives. She charged them to form relationships that are mutually beneficial to them and the people of their host communities.

"This time belongs to you, forget about the past, and don't put all your focus on what's to come, but rather push in more effort into the present and gain the best you can from it", she encouraged the corps members as she concluded.

Meanwhile, the NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mrs Winifred Shokpeka, in her speech told the corps members to have fun responsibly as the cultural carnival marks the end of social activities on camp.

She stated that the cultural carnival was incorporated into the Scheme's orientation programme to showcase the richness and beauty in our diverse culture which according to her should not divide us but rather bond us together as one entity. 

"our diversity is our strength not our weakness. Therefore, same way we are gathered today to celebrate and appreciate the diverse cultures that we have, let us also in our actions, words and disposition appreciate and celebrate our differences, seeing it not as a threat but as a strength " she added. 

Earlier, the Head of Man ’O’ War, Mr Ibikunle Olanrewaju urged the corps members to be proud of their cultures and encouraged the judges and the participating corps members to give their best in the spirit of the competition.

The event featured series of performances , beginning with the camp officials opening dance, to platoons’ cultural performances and then special performances from the Medical Team, Orientation Broadcasting Service, Band, Servicom and the Quarter Guard  .

The event also featured a special Akwa-Ibom performance from the Akwa-Ibom corps members in camp in honour of the wife of the Alapomu of Apomuland, Olórí Janet Mba Afolabi who hails from Akwa-Ibom. 

At the end of the competition, platoon 5, 10 and 7 emerged first, second and third positions respectively for the Best Dressed platoon during the carnival. While, platoons six, seven and eight came  first, second and third positions respectively in the interplatoon cultural presentations.