The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, has called on Nigerians to offer assistance that would aid selfless service to the country by members of the service corps.
The Director General made the call in his message to the 2021 Batch ‘C’ (Stream II) corps members during the Terminal Parade/Closing ceremony.
Ibrahim, who was represented at the NYSC camp in Ikare-Akoko by the Ondo State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani, said that corps members had sworn to oath of allegiance to serve the fatherland honestly, faithfully and genuinely identify themselves with the problems and aspirations of the people.
The Director General enjoined the corps participants to perform their duties with diligence and be guided by the provisions of the NYSC Act and Bye-Laws as well as workplace rules and regulations.
“My dear compatriots, as you begin the next phase of the service year, I urge you to sustain the spirit of patriotism, hard work and resilience, which you imbibed during the orientation course and it is my ardent belief that you will strive to meet expectations of Nigerians by contributing towards the progress and development of our fatherland.
“In keeping faith with the objectives of the scheme, you are expected to integrate into your host communities while also appreciating and respecting their cultures. I must, however, emphasise that engagement in their local politics is a no-go-area for you. I enjoin you to undertake personal and group Community Development Service projects that will help to uplift the living standard of people.”
He continued: “You should be good ambassadors of the NYSC as well as your families and institutions of graduation. Therefore, you must be wary of acts that can soil your image, especially such vices as drug abuse and trafficking, cybercrime and advanced fee-fraud’.
Ibarhim urged the corps members to avoid using the social media for ethnic jingoism, rumour peddling and the promotion of hatred.
“Your activities online should be targeted at self-improvement as well as promotion of unity, peace and prosperity of our dear country. Also, avoid being speculative on issues affecting the NYSC, and, instead, visit our website, social media platforms and other official channels for clarifications,” he added.
He used the occasion to remind corps members that the COVID -19 prevention protocols were not meant to be observed in the orientation camp alone but that they should be on guard always and help to sensitise members of the host communities on the devastating effects of the pandemic.
“May I also inform you that federal government has commenced the plan of the presentation of evidence of COVID -19 vaccination as a condition for gaining entry to government offices on 1st December, 2021. You are therefore expected to make yourselves available for the vaccination if you are yet to do so, as the rule will apply to you in your various places of primary assignment.”
The NYSC boss urged the corps members to be security conscious at all times and steer clear of acts that could put them in harm’s way such as keeping late nights, attending night parties, visitation to dangerous places and acceptance of car lifts from strangers.
“You are rest assured that Management remains committed to your security and general welfare and I want to let you know that we are in constant liaison with security agencies and other stakeholders with the view of ensuring your safety as well as addressing other essential needs for a fulfilling service year,” he said.
In the course of the ceremony, two camp officials who were outstanding in their assignments were given Letter of Commendation and cash award as a form of motivation for greater efficiency for the recipients and encouragement to others to show more commitment to assigned duties.
In the non-NYSC camp official category, Head of Police on camp, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Ridwan Idowu was rewarded for his untiring fight against all forms of lawlessness and corruption while in the NYSC official category, Mrs. Sally Igbanor, Principal Confidential Secretary was rewarded for being an efficient backroom staff to the success recorded during the orientation course.
The journey of the orientation course which began three weeks ago came to an end today with 1633 corps members out of which some applied and were successful in their bid to relocate to other states of the federation on health and marital grounds, and the rest were given letters of posting to various corps employers in the Ondo State to commence the second phase of the cardinal programmes of the NYSC.
