… urges them to strive to meet expectations of Nigerians by contributing towards progress, development of Nigeria
Daily Chronicle
The newly appointed Director General of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier – General YD Ahmed has assured Corps members across the country that Management of the Scheme has secured the commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies regarding their welfare and safety before, during and after the 2023 General elections.
The DG was addressing Corps members posted to Yobe state during the closing ceremony of the camping which was held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Dazigau and was presided over by the State Coordinator, Hajiya Hafsat Yerima on Tuesday.
The DG who was represented by the Yobe State Coordinator of NYSC, Hajiya Hafsat Yerima told the Corps members saying, “My dear compatriots, as you begin the next phase of the Service, I urge you to sustain the spirit of patriotism, hard work and resilience, which you imbibed during the Orientation Course.”
He assured that, “On our part, we will continue to liaise with financial institutions and other stakeholders with a view to providing start-up loans to enable you actualize your business dreams. I assure you that Management will continue to explore avenues for optimizing the impact of the programme.”
“My dear Corps Members, as you proceed to your Places of Primary Assignment, I urge you to be security conscious at all times, as security is every one’s business. You should avoid acts that can endanger your lives such as staying out late, attending night parties, visitation of dangerous places, and acceptance of car ride and gifts from strangers,”The DG said.
“I am pleased to address you as the 2023 Batch ‘A’ Stream I Orientation Course closes today. I would like to start by thanking the Almighty God for a successful programme. I also wish to commend you for participating actively in the camp activities and your exhibition of high level of discipline.”
According to him,”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 posting in good faith.”
He added, “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.”
He added, “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.”
The DG expressed happiness that he received impressive reports on their participation in the entrepreneurial trainings conducted in Camp under the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.
He encouraged them to build on the skills acquired by availing themselves of opportunities for post-camp training as this will go a long way in empowering them for self-reliance.
He however assured that,”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 with a view to ensuring your safety as well as addressing other essential needs for a fulfilling service year.”
He also said that, “As you get set to partake in this important national assignment, I would like to assure you that we have secured the commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies regarding your welfare and safety before, during and after the elections.”
The DG expressed hope that the Corps members across the country will strive to meet the expectations of Nigerians by contributing towards the progress and development of Nigeria.
He advised the Corps members saying, “At all times, you should be good ambassadors of the NYSC as well as your families and institutions of graduation. Therefore, you must be wary of acts that can portray the Scheme in bad light, especially drug abuse and trafficking, cybercrime, advanced-fee-fraud and spreading of fake news, amongst others.”
According to him,”Also, remember that your membership of 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 the 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 promotion of the unity, peace and development of our dear country,” he warned.
“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,” he added.
YD Ahmed further said that, “My dear compatriots, as you are already aware, the 2023 General Elections are around the corner. As was the case with the previous elections conducted from 2008, Corps members will form the majority of ad hoc personnel that will be enlisted for the conduct of the exercise.”
According to him,”It will interest you to know that the performance of your predecessors contributed to the credibility of the previous elections, and earned NYSC accolades from both local and foreign observers.”
The DG Therefore, enjoined the Corps members you to take a cue from them by performing the election duties with high sense of responsibility stressing, “You are to ensure adherence to the guidelines contained in the Electoral Act and, especially, remain neutral throughout the exercise.”
He also warned saying,”At this juncture, I would like to warn you against unauthorized journeys. If permitted to travel, you must avoid night trips. Travelling at night will not only increase the risk of accident, but also make rescue difficult.”
He warned, “You are, therefore, advised to always cut short your trips from six o’clock in the evening and pass the night at NYSC Lodges, military barracks and other locations officially designated as safe. Furthermore, you should board vehicles only at approved motor parks so as to avoid falling into the hands of criminals.”
“I consider it appropriate to once again appeal to Corps Employers to always accept Corps Members posted to them, and make the necessary provisions for their welfare. In addition, I urge employers to mentor these young Nigerians properly to enable them develop their potentials,” he added.
The DG added,”I also call on other stakeholders, including State and Local Government authorities as well as traditional rulers, to give the necessary encouragement to the Corps members.”
The DG concluded by thanking the Federal Government for its unwavering support for the Scheme as well as State Governments, Local Government Councils, Security Agencies, traditional rulers, Corps Employers and other stakeholders whose support have been contributing to the success of NYSC operations.