By Hezekiah Ovedhe.
Former Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG) and the Okiroro of Isoko Nation, Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay, has assured National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving at Iluelogbo Grammar School, Owhelogbo, of his commitment to addressing some of the challenges affecting their welfare.
The assurance came when the corps members, led by Mr. Bathlomew Okoro, paid him a courtesy visit at his country home in Owhelogbo, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Speaking during the visit, the corps members commended Macaulay for his longstanding contributions to education and community development before drawing his attention to the difficulties they face while serving in the school.
According to the team, one of their major concerns is the absence of electricity at both the Principal’s Lodge and the Corps Members’ Lodge, following the malfunction of the solar power system installed in the buildings.
They also highlighted the lack of pipe-borne water at the corps lodge, describing the situation as a major challenge affecting their comfort and well-being.
The corps members appealed to the former SSG to use his influence and leadership to facilitate solutions to the challenges, expressing confidence in his commitment to the development of the community.
Responding, Comrade Macaulay commended the corps members for their dedication to national service and for choosing to engage community leaders through constructive dialogue rather than remaining silent over their challenges.
He assured them that he would intervene to explore ways of restoring electricity to both the Principal’s Lodge and the Corps Members’ Lodge by addressing the faulty solar power system.
The former Delta SSG also urged the corps members to remain focused, disciplined and committed to their national assignment despite the prevailing challenges. He advised them to cultivate prudent financial habits by minimising unnecessary expenses and saving for the future, noting that financial discipline would serve them well beyond their service year.
Macaulay further encouraged the corps members to see their posting as an opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the development of their host community, assuring them of his continued support whenever the need arises.
The visit ended with expressions of appreciation from the corps members, who thanked the elder statesman for the warm reception and his assurance of intervention to improve their living conditions.