From Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General Mohammed Fadah has warned all the serving corps members against involving themselves in local politics and other activities capable of putting their lives in danger.
The DG gave the advice on Tuesday during the closing ceremony of the 2022 Batch 'B' Stream 'I' Corps Members Orientation Course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Old MacGregor College in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The NYSC DG ably represented by the State Coordinator, Mrs Bamai Mercy thanked Almighty God for the success of the programme, commending the corps members for their patriotic zeal as demonstrated by their participation in camp activities and exhibition of the high level of discipline.
He, however, urged the corps members to be law-abiding thereby keeping strictly the rules and regulations guiding the scheme while serving the nation.
According to him, "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.
"It is my ardent hope that you will strive to meet the expectations of Nigerians by contributing towards the progress and development of our fatherland.
He reminded the corps members of their oath of allegiance in which they pledged to accept posting in good faith.
He said: "I enjoin you to perform your duties with diligence and be guided by the provisions of the NYSC Act and Bye-Laws as well as workplace rules and regulations.
"In keeping 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, emphasize that engagement in their local politics is a no-go-area for you."
The NYSC DG also enjoined the corps members to undertake personal and group Community Development Service (CDS) projects that will help to uplift the living standard of the people of their host communities.
Brigadier General Fadah said, he had received impressive reports on the corps members' participation in the entrepreneurial training conducted in the Camp under the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme and encouraged them to build on the skills acquired by availing themselves of opportunities for post-camp training, saying this will go a long way in empowering them for self-reliance.
He noted that the NYSC has been liaising with financial institutions and other stakeholders to provide start-up loans to enable the corps members to actualize their business dreams, assuring them that the Management of the scheme would continue to explore avenues for optimizing the impact of the programme.
He urged the corps members to be security conscious at all times as they proceed to their places of primary assignment, by avoiding acts that can endanger their lives such as staying out late, attending night parties, visitation of dangerous places, and acceptance of car rides from strangers.
He assured of the NYSC management's commitment to the security and general welfare of the corps members, saying the scheme would be in constant liaison with security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure their safety while addressing other essential needs for a fulfilling service year.
While advising the corps members to be good ambassadors of the NYSC, their families and institutions of graduation, the DG warned them to "be wary of acts that portray a negative image of the Scheme, especially vices such as drug abuse and trafficking, cybercrime and Advanced-Fee-Fraud at the times.
"Also remember that your membership of the Service Corps does not confer on you immunity from the legal consequences of any wrongdoing. I, therefore, enjoin you to continue to be law-abiding while also serving as role models for the younger ones.
"I urge you to avoid using social media for ethnic jingoism, rumour peddling and the promotion of hatred. Instead, your activities online should be targeted at self-improvement as well as the promotion of the unity, peace and prosperity of our dear country. In the same vein, avoid being speculative on issues affecting the NYSC and, instead, visit our website, social media platforms and other official channels for clarifications."
He equally warned them against unauthorized journeys and night trips, saying that travelling at night will not only increase the risk of an accident but also make rescue difficult and therefore, advised them to always cut short their trips from six o’clock in the evening and pass the night at NYSC Lodges, military barracks, other locations officially designated as safe, to boarding vehicles only at approved motor parks to avoid falling prey to criminals.
He reminded them of the COVID-19 prevention protocols, which in his words, were not meant to be observed in the Orientation Camp only, but expressed optimism that with the level of awareness of the virus, they would continue to be on their guard everywhere they find themselves while helping to sensitize members of their host communities.
He reminded them of the need to take the full dose of the COIVD-19 vaccines to prevent the spread of the disease in their respective communities.
He appealed to Corps Employers to always accept Corps Members posted to them, and make the necessary provisions for their welfare, urging them to mentor them properly to enable them to develop their potential while calling on other stakeholders, including State and Local Government authorities as well as traditional rulers, to give the necessary encouragement to the Corps members.
He, therefore, thanked the Federal, State and Local Governments alongside the security agencies and other aiding institutions for their unwavering support which has contributed to the success of the Scheme over the years.
