From Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), Brigadier General Mohammed Fadah, has encouraged corps members to build on their acquired skills by availing themselves of the opportunities for post-camp training and advancement.
Brigadier General Mohammed Fadah gave this advice on Tuesday during the closing ceremony of the 2022 Batch 'B' Stream 'II' Orientation Course at the Scheme's Permanent Orientation Camp, Old MacGregor College in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The NYSC DG represented by the State Coordinator, Mrs Bamai Mercy, commended the corps members on the impressive reports of participating in the entrepreneurial training while they were receiving their orientation course.
He said: "I have received impressive reports on your participation in the entrepreneurial training conducted in the Camp under the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.
"I encourage you to build on the skills acquired by availing yourselves of opportunities for post-camp training as this will go a long way in empowering you for self-reliance.
"On our part, we are liaising with financial institutions and other stakeholders to provide start-up loans to enable you to actualize your business dreams. I wish to assure you that Management will continue to explore avenues for optimizing the impact of the programme."
Brigadier General Mohammed Fadah had earlier commended the corps members for their patriotic zeal which they demonstrated by participating in the camp activities and exhibition of the high level of discipline during the orientation program.
He urged them to sustain the spirit of patriotism, hard work and resilience that they imbibed during the Orientation Course in the next phase of their service to the nation.
According to him, "it is my ardent hope that you will strive to meet the expectations of Nigerians by contributing to the progress and development of our fatherland.
"Your letters of posting to Places of Primary Assignment will be handed to you soon after this ceremony. In this regard, I would like to remind you of your oath of allegiance in which you pledged to accept posting in good faith.
"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."
He added: "I must, however, emphasize that engagement in their local politics is a no-go-area for you. Furthermore, I enjoin you to undertake personal and group Community Development Service (CDS) projects that will help to uplift the living standard of the people of your host communities."
He urged them to proceed to their Places of Primary Assignment, by being security conscious at all times, asking them to avoid acts that can endanger their life such as staying out late, attending night parties, visitation of dangerous places, and accepting car rides from strangers.
He asked the corps members to be rest assured that management remains committed to their security and general welfare. Accordingly, we are in constant liaison with security agencies and other stakeholders with the view to ensuring your safety as well as addressing other essential needs for a fulfilling service year.
He advised them to be good ambassadors of the NYSC as well as their families and institutions of graduation, by being wary of acts that portray a negative image of the Scheme, especially vices such as drug abuse, trafficking, cybercrime and Advanced-Fee-Fraud.
Brigadier General Mohammed Fadah also reminded them to know that the membership of the Service Corps does not confer on them immunity from the legal consequences of any wrongdoing.
He enjoined them to continue to be law-abiding while serving and to be role models for the younger ones in their various places of primary assignment.
The NYSC DG continued: "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.
"At this juncture, I would like to reiterate our warning against unauthorized journeys and night trips. Travelling at night will not only increase the risk of accidents but also make rescue difficult. You are, therefore, advised to always cut short your trips from six o’clock in the evening and pass the night at NYSC Lodges, military barracks and other locations officially designated as safe. Furthermore, you should board vehicles only at approved motor parks to avoid falling prey to criminals.
"Let me use this opportunity to remind you that the COVID-19 prevention protocols are not meant to be observed in the Orientation Camp only. With your level of awareness of the virus, I am confident that you would continue to be on your guard everywhere you find yourselves while also helping to sensitize members of your host communities. May I also remind you of the need to take the full dose of the COIVD-19 vaccines to prevent the spread of the disease in our respective communities?
"I consider it appropriate to once again appeal to Corps Employers to always accept Corps Members posted to them, and make the necessary provisions for their welfare. In addition, I urge you to mentor them properly to enable them to develop their potential. I also call on other stakeholders, including State and Local Government authorities as well as traditional rulers, to give the necessary encouragement to the Corps members."
He thanked the Federal government for its unwavering support for the Scheme while appreciating the state and local governments, security agencies, the presidential steering committee on COVID-19, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, traditional rulers, Corps Employers and other stakeholders whose support has contributed to the successes of the scheme over the years.
