The National Youth Service Corps has reaffirmed its commitment to the security and general welfare of Corps members wherever they are deployed in the country.
The Director-General Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim gave this assurance today when he addressed the 2021 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Corps Members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Zamfara State.
Ibrahim commended corps members for the demonstration of patriotism through acceptance of their deployment to the State, which is facing security challenge.
He then assured them that, with the efforts of the Federal Government through the intensed operations of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, the problem of banditry in the State and other parts of the North West would soon become a thing of the past.
“The Federal Government appreciates your courage and readiness to contribute to national development.
“Be rest assured that both the Government and NYSC care for you. We are in constant liaison with security agencies in our determined efforts to ensure that you and other Corps Members remain safe in any location you find yourselves,” he said.
He, however, advised the Corps Members to be security conscious at all times while also cautioning them against engagement in social vices.
The Director-General, who also addressed Corps Members at the Orientation Camps in Sokoto and Katsina States, warned them against unauthorized journeys, night travel and patronage of motorparks that are not recognised by the appropriate authorities.
“If you are going to travel within the country, your Coordinator must give approval and if you are travelling outside the country, it is only the Director-General that can give approval. Your employers cannot permit you to travel”, he said.
He urged them to strive and perform excellently in all the four cardinal programmes of the Scheme, and add value to their host communities by undertaking projects on the platform of the NYSC Community Development Service.
He further stressed that they should use the opportunity of the Orientation Course to imbibe teamwork and create friendship that would outlive the service year.
“Use the NYSC as a platform to promote national unity: let us turn our diversities into opportunities because there are always strength in diversities”, the DG said.
General Ibrahim also urged the Corps Members to abide by the Oath of Allegiance they swore to, and exhibit good conduct at their places of primary assignments and in their dealings with the members of the host communities.
He reminded them of the need to identify and work towards realising their potentials, especially for self-employment and leadership added that they must avoid cutting corners.
“The journey to greatness requires resilience. If you read the biographies of those who have become great, you will see that it takes vision, determination, sacrifice and hard work to get there,” he added.
The DG warned them against negative use of the social media, especially spreading of fake news and promotion of hatred, addinng that they should instead focus on the promotion of national unity and integration.
lbrahim also urged the Corps Members to take the COVID-19 vaccine so as to keep themselves safe in the face of the pandemic.
Some Corps Members interviewed at the Orientation Camp in Zamfara State expressed appreciation of the Director-General’s visit and his words of encouragement.
They also expressed satisfaction with measures put in place to ensure safety of all members of the camp community.
