The National Youth Service Corps NYSC in Ebonyi State Southeast Nigeria has charged the Corps members who are ending their orientation course on selfless service to the communities where they are posted.
This was contained in an address presented by the NYSC Director-General, Professor Shauibu Ibrahim, represented by the state Coordinator, Mrs Mercy Bamai Dawuda during the terminal parade/closing ceremony of 2021 Batch ‘C’ stream II, at NYSC permanent Orientation camp, Old MacGregor College Afikpo North Local Government Area of the State.
Service to host community
Professor Ibrahim urged them to contribute to the living standards of the community where they are.
“I enjoin you to add value to the communities by undertaking personal and group Community Development Service projects that will uplift their living standards. Like I said during your swearing-in ceremony, the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development SAED programme is aimed at equipping you for self-employment and wealth creation. I am delighted at the enthusiasm you demonstrated during the vocational and entrepreneurial training conducted in the Camp”, he urged.
The DG commended them for demonstrating patriotic zeal and high level of discipline, which contributed to the success of the exercise.
“My dear compatriots, the next phase of the Service Year is of great significance as the entire nation looks up to you for your expected roles in advancing the unity and development of our fatherland. I, therefore, enjoin you to sustain the spirit of patriotism, hard work and resilience, which you have imbibed during the Orientation Course.
“Soon after this ceremony, you will receive your postings to Places of Primary Assignment. I urge you to accept posting to any location and endeavour in good faith to perform your duties with diligence. You are also expected to appreciate and respect the cultures of the host communities”, he added.
He encouraged them to build on the skills acquired by availing themselves of opportunities for post-camp training.
“On our part, we will continue to strengthen our partnership with relevant stakeholders with a view to optimizing the impact of the programme”, he emphasized.
Security
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Management for the security and general welfare of the Corps members
“Accordingly, we are in constant liaison with security agencies and other stakeholders with the view of ensuring your safety as well as addressing other essential needs for a fulfilling service year”, he affirmed.
He urged them to be security conscious at all times.
More so, he advised them to avoid risky engagements such as staying out late at night, attendance of late night parties, visitation of dangerous places, and acceptance of car ride from strangers.
“I also implore you to shun drug abuse and trafficking, cybercrime, advanced-fee-fraud, and other vices.
“Do also remember that engagement in the local politics of your host communities is a no-go-area for you. In all circumstances, always be conscious of the implications of your action or inaction for the image of your families, the NYSC and your institutions of graduation.
“Furthermore, I would like to reiterate our warning against unauthorized journeys and night trips. Statistics by relevant agencies have shown that night travel is a major risk factor for road traffic accident while such timing may also render rescue efforts fruitless. On this premise, it is now mandatory for all Corps members in transit to always cut short their trips from six o’clock in the evening and pass the night at military barracks and other locations officially designated as safe.
“While commending you for complying with the Covid-19 prevention protocols during your stay in Camp, I wish to remind you that the virus is still around. You are, therefore, advised to continue to be on your guard everywhere you find yourselves. I also encourage you to present yourselves for the Covid-19 vaccination and, if already taken, watch out for invitation for the second jab, where applicable. In addition, I charge you to help in sensitizing members of the host communities about preventive measures, including the need to accept the vaccines”, he encouraged.
He appealed to Corps Employers to not only accept Corps Members that will be posted to them, but also provide the enabling environment for them to develop their potentials.
“I urge you to provide mentorship while also building on the leadership skills impacted on them in the course of the Orientation exercise. In the same vein, I call on State and Local Government authorities, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to give the necessary encouragement to the Corps members, especially through support for their Community Development Service initiatives”, he said.
Ibrahim commended the State Coordinator and other Camp officials for their dedication and team work, which led to the success of the Orientation Course.
He conveyed his profound gratitude to the Federal Government for its unwavering support for the Scheme. In the same vein, he appreciated the support of State Governments, Local Government Councils, Security Agencies, the Presidential Steering Committee on Covid-19, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, the TY Danjuma Foundation, traditional rulers, Corps Employers and other stakeholders.
It would be recalled that the total number of 2021 batch ‘C’ stream II are 1651, 805 -Female and 846-Male.
Nneka Ukachukwu
