Nigeria Needs Productive, God-Fearing Youths — Akpabio

National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to Akwa Ibom State have been urged to be patriotic and eschew vices and acts capable of destabilizing the country.

Governor Godswill Akpabio made the call during the formal closing of orientation course for the 2014 ‘B’ Corps members at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Ikot Itie Udung in Nsit Atai Local Government Area of the state.

Akpabio, urged the corp members to remain calm in the face of the many challenges they face, especially unemployment.

“Nigeria is in dire need of productive, God-fearing and focused youths, who will propel her to greater heights.

"The unemployment scourge is a challenge both for the government and the private sector, but I urge you not to despair even in the face of challenges," the governor said.

He advised them to pursue self development and acquire new skills and use the service as a "platform to prepare for the future".

“I want to specifically advise you to pursue skill acquisition programmes during your primary assignment in order to increase your capacity to meet global socio-economic challenges of the 21st century."

The corp members were also urged to be security conscious and careful about their health, emphasising the threat of the Ebola Virus Disease and HIV/AIDS.

reports that the governor was represented at the occasion by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Monday Uko.