The attention of Management of the National Youth Service Corps has been drawn to a publication by The Guardian Nigeria, with the above caption, penned by Luke Onyekakeyah.
In the said story, the writer made an allegation of a missing person whom he alludes is a Corps Member on a journey from Ife, Osun State to Lagos State in the course of which she went missing. The Scheme sympathises with the victim, in addition to her family over their unfortunate ordeal.
However, to put the record straight, the Corps had carried out a diligent check on its data base, specifically for Osun and Lagos States, and later extended to other States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in order to ascertain the status of the missing lady. It was discovered that no such name exists on the data base of the NYSC.
In addition, there was equally no report of a missing Corps Member from the Police to the Scheme, relating to the particulars presented by the writer, which usually is the protocol; or a report from the family of Miss Bianca Ada Chidi to the Service Corps.
Management therefore wishes to state that as at the time of writing this rejoinder, Bianca Ada Chidi is not a Corps Member. Hence, the Scheme cannot be compelled to produce the said lady.
It is imperative to further place on record that the National Youth Service Corps, particularly the current administration prioritises the security and welfare of Corps Members which remain its cardinal focal point. It shall never shirk this responsibility.
The Corps works harmoniously with the Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others to protect Corps Members, as any casualty among them, arising from any circumstance makes the entire Scheme feel highly diminished.
In the final analysis, Management wishes to reiterate that it welcomes inquiries as the Scheme runs an open-door policy in its operations, especially in relation to the wellbeing of Corps Members.
Thank you.
Adenike Adeyemi (Mrs)
Director, Press and Public Relations
