News Editor
The Director-General (DG) of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, has urged corps members to distance themselves from cultism, drug abuse and other social vices.
Ibrahim gave the advice on Tuesday, at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2022 Batch ‘A’, Stream 1 Corps members, at the Orientation Camp, Asaya, in Kabba Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State.
”You must continue to distance yourselves from cultism, drug abuses and other social vices.
”I urge you to avoid using the social media for spreading fake news, fueling hatred and other negative purposes,” he said.
Ibrahim, who was represented by the NYSC Kogi State Coordinator, Mrs Mofoluwasho Williams, also enjoined the corps members to promote national unity, integration and development which are some of the major objectives of the NYSC.
He further advised them to be security conscious at all times, and report any suspicious character or activities around them to the appropriate authorities.
He encouraged them to avail themselves of the opportunities for self-employment offered through our Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.”
The DG also admonished the NYSC members to adhere strictly to the outlined preventive measures against the COVID-19 pandemic and go for the vaccines.
He commended the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for their continued support towards safe and efficient conduct of the Orientation Course within the context of the ‘new normal’.
He thanked the House of Representatives and the public for the progress made so far in the legislative processes on the Bill for the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund.
He, however appealed to the appropriate authorities to provide the necessary enabling environment for the actualisation of the fund.
He stressed that the fund would enhance the smooth operation of the scheme, address infrastructural challenges, boost skills and entrepreneurship programme aimed at empowering corps members for self-employment and wealth creation.
The director general also appealed for the support of all stakeholders for the success of the NYSC’s Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD), aimed at providing easier access to free and qualitative healthcare, especially for the poor.
Speaking on her own capacity, the State Coordinator, expressed her deep appreciation to Gov. Yahaya Bello, for clearing the bush surrounding the orientation camp 50 meters away to the perimeter fence.
She further thanked the governor for his promise to mobilise contractors back to site for the completion of renovation work at the Orientation camp immediately after stream 1.
She also appreciated the Commander, Command Army Records, Chari Megumeri Barracks, Lokoja, Director of State Security Service for their unflinching support in the development of additional armed personnel and Gun trucks for maximum security at the camp.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Richard Olorunfemi, represented by Justice Samuel Obayomi, administered the oath of allegiance to a total of 1,355 Corps members, made up of 669 females and 686 males.
