Hon Members of the Delta State House of Assembly,
Members of the State Executive Council,
The Secretary to the State Government,
The Chief of Staff,
The Political and Economic Advisers,
Special Advisers,
The Head of Service,
State Director, NYSC,
Top Government Functionaries,
My Lords, Spiritual and Temporal,
Gentlemen of the Press,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

It gives me a nice feeling to be associated with this event, because it concerns our dear country's leaders of tomorrow as they begin their onward march to rendering a most selfless service to their nation and its people.

Looking at the faces before me, I am confident that the future holds very bright prospects for both our country and its citizens. This is even more reassuring given the pass mark awarded by the camp officials on your overall conduct and performance.

I am aware that at the end of today's exercise, you will assume your new roles as agents of positive change in the various communities, organisations and institutions you are posted to. You have already demonstrated your willingness through being prepared to act as volunteers in the sensitization of our people about key national and state policies which include among others, the Millennium Development Goals, the three focal point agenda of this administration, family life education, reproductive health, HIV and AIDS projects, especially as they affect youths.
While I commend you both for your willingness and readiness to make personal sacrifices to ensure that these programmes succeed, I urge you to be more tactful in dealing with the people, especially at the grassroots where the impact of your message will depend on your ability to mix freely with the people, identify with them and bring yourself to their level of understanding. That way, you will be proud of the result you will come up with at the end of the exercise.

You are leaving here to meet the warm embrace of our people who have a reputation for transparent hospitality. No doubt, there may be nuances of cultural differences between yours and the people you are going to live with in the next one year, but the true spirit of being a Nigerian remains the same. You should apply the youthful energy, enterprise and resourcefulness in not only adapting to your environment, but helping to contribute your quota in uplifting the living standard of our people.

My administration is committed to its three-point agenda of peace and security, human capital and infrastructural development. In all the areas, you are well equipped to contribute to their successes during the service year. You have acquired education, which is not an end in itself. Please utilise the knowledge you have acquired for the benefit of the people by identifying with the three-point agenda and ensuring that through your words and actions, you contribute meaningfully to the realisation of their set objectives.

My administration will continue to assist the NYSC scheme in the State to achieve its objective. We will not fail in our duties both to the officials and individual corps members. I have noted the issues raised by the coordinator of the NYSC in the State. I also appreciate the kind words put in for the efforts the State Government has made in facilitating the smooth functioning of the exercise in the State.

I urge you to integrate yourselves among the people who you work and live with. Show great understanding, patience and deep sense of patriotism in your various places of primary assignment.

Dear compatriots, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honour and privilege to declare the orientation programme of the 2007 Batch 'B' Corps members deployed to Delta State, closed.

I wish you safe journey to your various places of deployment and a most favourable and result-oriented service year in Delta State.

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR,
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
ASABA.

NOVEMBER, 2007.