From Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
The Acting Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs Christy Uba has urged the 2022 Batch 'C' Stream 'II' Corps members to strictly keep the Acts and Bye-Laws of the scheme following their induction across the nation on Tuesday.
Addressing the newly inducted Corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Old MacGregor College in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, the Acting DG represented by the State Coordinator, Mrs Bamai Mercy advised them to be guiding their conduct in the service year as well as have a significant influence on their lives after serving the nation.
"Let me also remind you that the oath of allegiance you have taken today is very important, as it is expected to guide your conduct in the Service Year as well as have a significant influence on your life after service. You are also enjoined to acquaint yourselves with the provisions of the NYSC Act and the NYSC Bye-Laws, Mrs Uba said.
She explained that the NYSC camp orientation course was designed to prepare the Corps members for the tasks of the Service Year through training on Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, leadership coaching, paramilitary drills and other physical activities, as well as sensitization on topical national issues, amongst others.
She said the avenue would provide the Corps members with the opportunity for them to realize their potential and attain individual feats both during and after the service year.
The Acting DG who also enjoined the Corps members to take advantage of "this golden opportunity to participate in all the Camp activities, noted that "one of the objectives of the NYSC is to promote national unity and integration."
According to her, the deployment of the Corps members to different states apart from their states of origin and diverse ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds would not only offer them the opportunity for a broader understanding of the country, but can entrench the culture of working together in an atmosphere filled with friendship, peace, harmony, and a shared vision of a great and prosperous Nigeria.
Mrs Uba further implored the Corps members to sustain the high level of discipline and enthusiasm they have demonstrated so far, especially by remaining compliant with the Camp rules and regulations.
While advising the Corps members to continue to distance themselves from cultism, drug abuse and other social vices, the Acting DG asked them "to 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.
"You are strongly advised to be security conscious at all times and to report any suspicious characters or activities around you to the appropriate authorities."
Mrs Uba reminded the Corps members that "white-collar jobs are not readily available," and therefore, encouraged them to avail themselves of the opportunities for self-employment offered through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme.
She urged the Corps members to choose from any of the skill areas, and make themselves available for the training, which starts from the Orientation Camp, saying her NYSC management would continue to work with relevant stakeholders for the success of the programme.
She appealed for the support of all stakeholders in the call for the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund which is already awaiting accent by the President, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, saying "this will enhance the smooth operations of the Scheme, especially by addressing the challenges of infrastructure and providing start-up capital for corps members."
She also appealed for the support of the stakeholders to the success of the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD), which is aimed at providing easy access to free and qualitative health care, especially for the rural poor.
Mrs Uba appreciated the Federal, State and Local Governments, as well as Security Agencies, traditional rulers, Corps Employers and other stakeholders for their support in areas of security and the general welfare of the Corps Members.
Recall that the NYSC Acting DG had earlier congratulated the Corps members on their various academic achievements which qualified them to be mobilized for the National Service and as well commended their patriotic disposition as demonstrated in their readiness to participate in the Orientation exercise.
