Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, has appealed to all stakeholders in Ondo State to provide adequate security for corps embers that will be engaged as polling officials in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.
He said corps members were apolitical and focused on contributing their quota towards national development.
Ibrahim stated these today during a courtesy visits to the Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, and the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Oba Gbadegesin Ajibade, Ogunoye III, in their palaces.
He assured that the youth on national service would perform the election duties with high sense of responsibility and neutrality, but added that all stakeholders must contribute towards giving them maximum protection.
The NYSC boss, who appreciated the monarchs for their support for NYSC, stressed that the scheme placed high premium on the welfare and security of the corps members.
“I want to plead with the good people of Ondo State to protect my corps members.
“We want to ensure that our corps members are safe as we look forward to a hitch-free election,” the DG added.
Ibrahim further urged residents of the state to tap from the potentials of corps members for socio-economic development, adding that their knowledge, loyalty and dedication to duty were of immense benefit.
Responding, the Deji of Akure commended the NYSC scheme for its role in mentoring of the nation’s youth.
He added that residents of Ondo State were looking up to the corps members for credible conduct of the governorship election.
“We believe in them because they are up to the task and residents of the Ondo State trust them,” the monarch said.
Also receiving the DG, the Olowo of Owo Kingdom, Oba Gbadegesin Ajibade, Ogunoye III lauded the NYSC for contributing towards enhancing the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.
He assured that adequate steps would be taken to protect corps members on election duties.
“Corps members are treasures that must be protected and no matter what, nothing will happen to them in this kingdom and even in Ondo State. l can assure you of their safety.
“The NYSC scheme has been a source of pride for the nation because it is uniting us,” he said.
During separate visits to the 32 Artillery Brigade Nigerian Army, Owena Cantonment, Akure; Ondo State Command of the Department of State Services and the State Police Command, the Director-General appealed to the agencies to provide adequate security for all corps members before, during and after the election.
In their responses, the Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Zakari Logun Abubakar; Director, Department of State Services, Mr Emmanuel Esomonu and State Commissioner of Police, Bolaji Salami all gave the assurance that measures had been put in place for the protection of all corps members during the election.
Earlier in the day, the Director-General addressed the corps members that will serve as election officials urging them to abide strictly by the electoral laws and be security conscious.
“Do not do anything that contravenes the law. If you run foul of the law NYSC will not be there for you.
“Be security conscious, don’t cut corners and use only the vehicles accredited by INEC,” Ibrahim said.
