From Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
In Ebonyi State, the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC has inducted the 2022 Batch 'B' Stream 'I' Corps Members as they commenced a 3-week orientation course as part of the activities for their one-year compulsory service to the nation, charging them to promote national integration and development.
Addressing the corps members, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Mohammed Fadah at the Permanent Site of the Scheme, Old MacGregor College in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, congratulated them on their graduation from their various institutions of learning and subsequent mobilization for the National service.
The NYSC DG ably represented by the State Coordinator, Mrs Bamai Mercy commended the newly inducted corps members for their patriotism, which they demonstrated through the acceptance of their deployment and prompt report to the Orientation Camp.
He noted that 'the Orientation Course is the first Cardinal Programme of NYSC,' aimed at introducing the corps members to the objectives and programmes of the Scheme.
He further explained that the Orientation Course was designed to equip the new corps members for the tasks of the Service Year through lessons on Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, leadership coaching, paramilitary drills and other physical training as well as sensitization on topical national issues, amongst others.
He added that the platform was for kick-starting various activities to enable the corps members to realize their potential and attain individual feats both during and after service, and thus, enjoined them to utilize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by participating in all the Camp activities.
"As you may be aware, one of the objectives of NYSC is the promotion of national unity and integration. Hence, your deployment away from your States of origin and your assemblage here from diverse ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
"This policy will not only offer you the opportunity for a broader understanding of the country, but also entrench the culture of working together in an atmosphere filled with friendship, peace, harmony, and a shared vision of a great and prosperous Nigeria.
"Let me also remind you that the oath of allegiance you have taken today is significant, as it is expected to guide your conduct in the Service Year as well as have an everlasting influence on your life after service. You are also enjoined to familiarize yourselves with the provisions of the NYSC Act and the NYSC Bye-Laws," he also stated.
Brigadier General Fadah implored the corps members to sustain the high level of discipline and enthusiasm they demonstrated so far in the camp, especially by remaining compliant with the Camp rules and regulations.
He urged them to continue to distance themselves from cultism, drug abuse and other social vices; maintaining that the corps members should "avoid using social media for spreading fake news, fuelling hatred and other negative purposes, and instead deploy the same for the promotion of national unity and development," advising them to "be security conscious at all times and to report any suspicious characters or activities around you to the appropriate authorities."
He however reminded them that "white-collar jobs are not readily available," these days and encouraged them to avail themselves of the opportunities for self-employment offered through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme.
The NYSC DG said that the corps members are expected to choose from any of the skill areas carved out for them to make themselves available for the training, starting from the Orientation Camp, saying the Management of the scheme would continue to work with the relevant stakeholders for the success of the programme.
He urged them to adhere strictly to the established safety measures such as physical distancing, wearing of face masks and the use of hand washing facilities provided at strategic locations in the orientation camp, reminding them to equally avail themselves of the COVID-19 vaccination that would be administered on camp, for those who have not done so.
The DG expressed his profound gratitude to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for their continued support towards the safe conduct of the Orientation Course within the context of the ‘new normal.'
He noted that "indeed, the sustained provision of Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits and other commodities by the NCDC for usage in all Orientation Camps is a clear indication of the Agency’s interest in the success of the Scheme."
He thanked the State Ministries of Health as well as Federal and State tertiary health institutions for their support in the areas of COVID-19 prevention and general health services provided in the camps.
He however appealed for the support of all stakeholders in the call for the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund which has reached an advanced stage of legislation, saying that, "this will enhance the smooth operations of the Scheme, especially by addressing the challenges of infrastructure and providing start-up capital for corps members."
He also requested all Stakeholders to render support towards the success of our Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD), which in his words, "is aimed at providing easier access to free and qualitative health care, especially for the rural poor."
Brigadier General Fadah further appreciated the support of the Federal, State and Local Governments, as well as Security Agencies, traditional rulers, Corps Employers and other stakeholders, especially in areas of security and general welfare of Corps Members.
Recall that a total of 1,337 corps members of Batch 'B' Stream 'I' comprising 233 males and 1,104 females were deployed to the orientation camp in Ebonyi State.
