Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has urged youth Corps Members posted to the state to aspire to leave the state with something.

The Governor stated this at the swearing in Ceremony of the Stream 1, Batch B, Corps Members at the Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende Local Government Area

The Governor noted that though the service year is a break from rigorous academic activities, it's a time for the Corps Members to pay attention to the new phase of life and answer frankly the real questions of life which would determine how far they can go in life.

He called on the Corps Members to maximize their stay in the state by been a part of his administration's five pillars which include trade and commerce, Agriculture, education, health and industry.

Governor Ikpeazu described Abia as the hub of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Africa and enjoined them to ensure that they learn something significant before leaving Abia.

He said it would be his desire to see them become manufacturers and entrepreneurs in the state after their one year service .

Dr. Ikpeazu called on them to be good ambassadors of the nation wherever they are found.

The state Coordinator of the Scheme, Francesca Ifon in her speech, noted that the registration of Corps Members started on November 24 and ended on November 27 with a total registration of 2,296 Corps Members comprising of 1,268 males and 1,028 females. 
She commended the Corps Members for their attitude and said they have shown themselves as amenable to positive change which is an ingredient for mutual progress and social development of any society.

The Coordinator noted that the service year will among other things expose the Corps members to practical life experiences and expose them to ideals of good leadership roles in the society.

While appreciating the Governor for his immense support to the scheme in the state, the State Director highlighted some of the challenges confronting the Orientation Camp as dilapidated and abandoned female hostel, need for an additional borehole, construction of additional hostels for Corps Members and staff, among others.

She however, assured of the scheme's commitment to the development of the state especially in agriculture, health care delivery, rural infrastructure and sanitation.

Board Chairman of the Scheme and Commissioner for Youths Development, Hagler Okorie also in his address stated that the service year is designed to train the Corps Members in all ramifications.

He called on the members to feel at home and contribute their quota to the development of the state and operate in accordance with the rules of the Orientation course to achieve the desired objectives of the scheme.

The Corps members also took the oath of allegiance as administered by the Chief Judge of the state.