Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has urged corps members deployed to the state to avoid acts capable of tarnishing the nation’s image.

Eno made the call at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch B, Stream 2 corps members, in Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai Local Government Area on Friday.

Represented by Mrs Rose Bassey, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sport Development, Eno urged the youths to embrace acts that promote national image.

Eno said that the National Youth Service Corps scheme had continued to be a veritable tool for national unity and integration.

“So you are not to join those whose stock in trade is to tarnish the image of the nation.

“As youths, you are to promote unity, cohesion and development. The future of this country is on your shoulders. You are stakeholders in the Nigerian project,” he said.

He urged them to rise above linguistics, religious, ethnic and socio-cultural boundaries in the interest of national unity and development.

The governor reiterated the commitment of the state government to support the growth and sustenance of the scheme.

Also speaking, Mr Monday Uko, the commissioner for Youth and Sport Development, urged the youths to undertake community development projects in their places of primary assignments.

Represented by Mrs Esther Udosen, the Director of Administration, Uko urged the corps members to align with the way of life in the communities they would be posted to serve.

Earlier, the state NYSC Coordinator, Mr Christopher Okuns, appealed to the state government to help in revamping the dilapidated hostel in the orientation camp.

Represented by Mrs Chinwe Nnegha, Okuns, urged the corp members to remain disciplined and law abiding during the service year.