The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC has advised the 2022 Batch ‘A’ Stream One Prospective Corps Members(PCMS) to “Avoid free ride in order not to fall prey to kidnappers and ritualists.
The Director-General of NYSC, Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim stated this today in his nationwide virtual address to the Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) and camp officials.
Ibrahim who warned against unauthorised journeys and night travels also advised that Corps Members should board vehicles at designated motorparks in order to ensure their safety.
Under no circumstances should any Corps Member be permitted to leave the camp. The Orientation is compulsory and all of you must participate in all the activities”.
“I want to urge you to be security conscious. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way and be wary of the use of the social media”, he added.
General Ibrahim advised that any journey extending beyond 6pm should be broken. He asked them to pass the night in military barracks, NYSC formations, Corps Lodges and other safe places.
Speaking further, the Director-General admonished them to serve their Fatherland with passion, adhere to NYSC Byelaws and also be good ambassadors of their respective families, alma maters and the Scheme.
According to him, anyone that violated the NYSC Byelaws and the Oath of Allegiance would be sanctioned.
The DG advised the PCMs to utilise the opportunities of the service year to excel in life, stating that the NYSC was a platform that could only be appreciated by those that are serious-minded.
“I want you to take a critical understanding of the four cardinal programmes of the NYSC, namely; Orientation Course, Primary Assignment, Community Development Service and Winding-up/Passing-Out.
Ensure that all the rules are strictly obeyed and don’t violate any of the camp rules so that you won’t be decamped”, he said.
Ibrahim urged the PCMs to take advantage of the enrollment of Corps Members into the National Health Insurance Scheme to give their best, and avoid self-medication, advising; “Once you have any health challenge report to the appropriate quarters for treatment.”
The Director-General also advised them to abide by all the COVID-19 safety guidelines and ensure strict compliance with the protocols.
Gen Ibrahim disclosed that NYSC Management introduced Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme in 2012 to impart skills to Corps Members so as to become job creators, instead of searching for scarcely available white-collar jobs.
The DG further revealed that many ex-Corps Members that embraced SAED programme are today employers of labour in different vocations.
He informed them that the proposed NYSC Trust Fund bill which had passed the second reading, as well as public hearing at the National Assembly would enable every Corps Member have access to start-up capitals as they exit service.
He also said the Trust Fund would help to expand the scope of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme of the Scheme.
“The Trust Fund will also enable the training of staff and it is expected that when it is passed into law with presidential assent, all of you will be given start-up capitals to drive your business initiatives, based on the skills you have acquired during the service year.
By God’s grace when passed, I can assure you that the NYSC will take millions of Nigerian youths out of the unemployment market”, he said. Pictures below:
Ibrahim appealed to the Prospective Corps Members to avoid the negative use of the social media, rather use it to promote national unity and integration.
“Be wary of the use of the social media.
Use the social media wisely to promote our unity and understanding and don’t use it to spread fake news”.
He also urged them to “shun every act of criminality in the camps. No to drugs, no to cyber crimes and don’t let your action of today mar your future because you are potential leaders”.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of his colleagues nationwide, the Osun State Corps Camp Director, Corps Member Ezechi Wisdom OS/22A/0223, an indigene of Enugu State expressed appreciation to General Ibrahim for rejigging the NYSC SAED programme that has empowered a large number of Corps Members with skills to become self-reliant and employers of labour.
He described the DG as a good father, working assiduously for the good of his children.
“We pledge to adhere to your counsel and make you a proud father.
We will ensure that we make discipline our watchword as we journey throughout our service year”, he said.
