COVID-19: DG urges corps members to get vaccinated
The Director General of National Youth Service Corps, Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim has urged batch A stream I corps members on the need to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
He made the call during the swearing-in ceremony of 1,025 participants at the Amada temporary orientation camp in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
Ibrahim also urged the corps members to continue to comply with the safety protocols, adding that the COVID-19 pandemic is yet to be defeated.
The DG who was represented by the State Coordinator, Ada Imoni, reminded corps members that the Federal Government’s position that they will be denied access to facilities without proof of vaccination is still in force.
He said, “As you are all aware, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. You must, therefore, adhere strictly to the outlined preventive measures such as physical distancing, wearing face masks and the use of handwashing facilities provided at strategic locations throughout the Orientation period.”
“Let me also remind you that the Federal Government’s directive on presentation of evidence of COVID-19 vaccination as a pre-requisite for gaining entry to public offices is still in force.”
“Therefore, I encourage those of you, who are yet to take the vaccine, to do so without further delay as the rule will apply to you both in your places of Primary Assignment and other public offices.”
“We are sustaining our liaison with the relevant authorities with a view to ensuring that the vaccines are made available to you in the course of this programme.”
Ibrahim lauded the efforts of the Federal Government in the control of the virus, noting that steps taken by the presidential steering committee have helped to curb the spread of the viral pandemic.
“Let me once again express our profound gratitude to the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control for their continued support towards safe and efficient conduct of the orientation course within the context of the ‘new normal.’
“Indeed, the sustained provision of Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits and sensitisation materials by the NCDC for usage in all orientation camps is a clear indication of the agency’s interest in the success of the scheme.”
“I also thank state ministries of health as well as Federal and State tertiary health institutions for their support in the areas of COVID-19 prevention and general health services,” he added.
Commenting on the importance of its latest health initiative geared towards improving medical services to rural dwellers, Ibrahim called for more collaboration, while commending the wife of the president for supporting the scheme with fully fitted ambulances.
He added, “May I also appeal for the support of all stakeholders for the success of our Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers, which is aimed at providing easier access to free and qualitative health care, especially for the rural poor.
“In particular, I implore well-to-do individuals and corporate bodies to take a cue from Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. (Mrs.) Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, by donating well-equipped ambulances for the operation of the NYSC Mobile Clinics as well as other essential equipment and drugs that will facilitate the conduct of our medical outreaches.”
PHW
