The Director-General of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General MK Fadah, has warned corps members to desist from engaging in Local politics ahead of the 2023 general election.
The NYSC DG who was represented by the Coordinator, NYSC, Ebonyi State, Bamai Mercy, handled down the warning during the closing ceremony of the 2022 batch “B” Stream ‘one’ Orientation course, in Afikpo, Ebonyi State.
While urging Corps members to perform their duties with diligence and be guided by the provisions of the NYSC Act and Bye-Laws, the DG warned them to be wary of acts that portray negative image of the Scheme, especially vices such as drug abuse and trafficking, cybercrime and Advanced-Fee-Fraud.”
He enjoined them to sustain the spirit of patriotism, hard work and resilience, even as he expressed hope that the Corp members will strive to meet the expectations of Nigerians by contributing towards the progress and development of the nation.
According to him: “Furthermore, I enjoin you to undertake personal and group Community Development Service (CDS) projects that will help to uplift the living standard of the people of your host communities. I have received impressive reports on your participation in the entrepreneurial trainings conducted in Camp under the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.
“On our part, we are liaising with financial institutions and other stakeholders with a view to providing start-up loans to enable you actualize your business dreams.
“My dear Corps Members, as you proceed to your Places of Primary Assignment, I urge you to be security conscious at all times. 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 from strangers.
“You can be rest assured that Management remains committed to your security and general welfare. Accordingly, we are in constant liaison with security agencies and other stakeholders with the view to ensuring your safety as well as addressing other essential needs for a fulfilling service year.
“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 portray negative image of the Scheme, especially vices such as drug abuse and trafficking, cybercrime and Advanced-Fee-Fraud.”
“At this juncture, I would like to reiterate our warning against unauthorized journeys and night trips. Travelling at night will not only increase the risk of accident, but also make rescue difficult. 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 prey to criminals.
Fadah further appealed to employers of labour to always accept and make necessary provisions for the welfare of Corps Members posted to them, as well as aid them develop their potentials through effective mentoring.
He also called on other stakeholders, including State and Local Government authorities as well as traditional rulers, to give the necessary encouragement to the Corps members posted to thier regions.