NYSC DG warns Corps members against meddling in local politics

...Harps on Corps members' startup loans for business plans

 

By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.

The Director General (DG) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yushau Dogara Ahmed, Tuesday warned the Corps members against unnecessary interference with the local politics of their host communities while rendering their one-year compulsory service to the nation.

Brigadier General Ahmed gave the warning during the closing ceremony of the 2023 Batch 'A' Stream '2' Corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, MacGregor College, Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The NYSC DG ably represented by the State Coordinator, Mrs Bamai Mercy Dawunda, urged the Corps members to integrate into their host communities by respecting their cultures while keeping the objectives of the scheme after receiving their posting letters.

"Your letters of posting to Places of Primary Assignment will be released to you after this ceremony. In this regard, I would like to remind you of the oath of allegiance you took in which you pledged to accept the 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. 

"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."

He commended the Corps members for having received impressive reports on their participation in the entrepreneurial training conducted in the Camp under the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. 

The DG encouraged the Corps members to build on the skills acquired by availing themselves of opportunities for post-camp training as, in his words, this will go a long way in empowering them for self-reliance. 

He, however, assured the Corps members that the NYSC management would continue to liaise with financial institutions and other stakeholders to provide start-up loans to enable them to actualize their business dreams. 

"I assure you that the Management will continue to explore avenues for optimizing the impact of the programme," he promised.

Ahmed further urged the Corps members to be security conscious at all times as they proceed to their respective Places of Primary Assignment, describing security as 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 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.

"At all times, you should be good ambassadors of the NYSC as well as our families and institutions of graduation. Therefore, you must be wary of acts that can portray the Scheme in a bad light, especially drug abuse and trafficking, cybercrime, advanced fee fraud and spreading of fake news, amongst others. 

"Also, remember that your membership in the Service Corps does not confer on you immunity from the legal consequences of any wrongdoing. You are, therefore, enjoined 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 development 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," the DG further warned.

Ahmed equally commended the Federal, State and local governments alongside security agencies, traditional custodians, Corps employers and other stakeholders for their unwavering support towards the success of the NYSC operations, urging them for more assistance to the scheme.