From Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yushau Dogara Ahmed has enjoined the serving Corps members to perform their electoral duties with a high sense of responsibility in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.
Brigadier General Ahmed gave the advice to Corps members, Tuesday during the closing ceremony of the 2023 Batch 'A' Stream 'I' Orientation Course at the old MacGregor College in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The NYSC DG represented by the State Coordinator, Mrs Bamai Mercy noted that the Corps members would form the majority of the ad-hoc personnel who might be enlisted for the conduct of the 2023 general elections, advised them to perform credibly at the duty posts to attract accolades to the scheme.
"My dear compatriots, as you are already aware, the 2023 General Elections are around the corner. As was the case with the previous elections conducted in 2019 Corps members will form the majority of ad hoc personnel that will be enlisted for the conduct of the exercise. It will interest you to know that the performance of your predecessors contributed to the credibility of the previous elections, and earned NYSC accolades from both local and foreign observers.
"Therefore, I enjoin you to take a cue from them by performing the election duties with a high sense of responsibility. You are to ensure adherence to the guidelines contained in the Electoral Act and, especially, remain neutral throughout the exercise. As you get set to partake in this important national assignment, I would like to assure you that we have secured the commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies regarding your welfare and safety before, during and after the elections."
Earlier, the NYSC DG commended the Corps members for participating actively in the camp activities with a high level of discipline during their orientation course. He urged the Corps members to sustain the spirit of patriotism, hard work and resilience, ensuring they keep NYSC rules and regulations while facing the next phase of the service in the state.
The DG warned the Corps members against engaging themselves in activities capable of putting their lives in danger and however encouraged them to build on the skills acquired by availing themselves of opportunities for post-camp training to become self-reliant.
"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. You must desist from meddling in their local politics. Furthermore, I enjoin you to undertake personal and group Community Development Service Projects that will help to uplift the living standard of the host communities
"I have received impressive reports on your participation in the entrepreneurial training conducted in 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 will continue to liaise with financial institutions and other stakeholders to provide start-up loans to enable you to actualize your business dreams. I assure you that Management will continue to explore avenues for optimizing the impact of the programme.
"My dear Corps Members, as you proceed to your Places of Primary Assignment, I urge you to be security conscious at all times, as security is everyone's business. You should avoid acts that can endanger your life such as staying out late, attending night parties, visitation of dangerous places, and acceptance of car rides and gifts from strangers. On our part, we are committed to making adequate provisions for your security and the general welfare in line with the policy thrust of my administration. Accordingly, we are in constant liaison with security agencies and other critical stakeholders to ensure your safety as well as address other essential needs for a fulfilling service year," Brigadier General Ahmed stated.
