Jane Otu

 

DAILY COURIER – The acting Director General of the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), Mrs. Christy Uba, has stressed that Corp members’ participation in general elections is not compulsory but voluntary, urging those interested to be fully prepared and carry out the duty with patriotism.

The acting DG, who stated this during the closing ceremony of the batch ‘C’ Stream II orientation course held at the NYSC Camp, Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday, advised interested members to avail themselves for proper training and sensitisation to be thoroughly equipped to carry out what is expected of them.

“This is not the first time and it is not going to be the last time Corp members will be participating in general elections. I urge them to be neutral and apolitical during the exercise, they should make themselves available for all training and sensitisation to be properly equipped to carry out what is expected of them during the special assignment.

“I want them to also know that: participation in the general elections is voluntary for Corp members, so those willing should be prepared and carry out the duty patriotically,” she advised.

She further advised the Corp members to desist from meddling in local politics as they leave the camp to integrate into the society for their primary assessments.

Uba, who assured that NYSC management was committed to making adequate provisions for welfare and security, urged the Corp members to be security conscious at all times and avoid acts that can endanger their lives such as: attending night parties, visiting dangerous places, and accepting rides and gifts from strangers.

“At all times, you should be good ambassadors of the NYSC, as well as your families and institution of graduation. Therefore, you must be wary of acts that can portray the scheme in bad light, especially, drug abuse, trafficking, cybercrime and advanced-fee-fraud, among other such vices,” she stated.

Applauding them for the impressive report on their successful participation in entrepreneurial training in the camp, under the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Program, she enjoined them to avail themselves of post-camp training, as such would go a long way in empowering them for self-reliance even after the service year.

“On our part, we are liaising with financial institutions and other stakeholders with a view to providing start-up loans to enable you to actualise your business dreams,” she promised.

She, however, called on employers of labour and other stakeholders including State and Local Governments, to mentor the young graduates properly to enable them to develop their potential.

The acting Director General, who had the opportunity of commissioning a modern convince facility built by the present administration of the NYSC directorate, applauded the Akwa Ibom State camp for standing out among others visited within the last 21 days.

In her address, the State Coordinator of the scheme, Mrs. Chinyere Ekwe, said she had taken it upon herself to enhance the living condition of Corp members and camp officials since her assumption of office.

She, however, appreciated the support of the acting DG in the infrastructure development of the scheme in the state.

“It is also important to note that the State Government has been very supportive in our operations, particularly, in the regular and prompt payment of state allowance, provision of N10, 000 transport to Corp members leaving the camp,” she stated.

Our correspondent reports that a total of 1227 Corp members were received in the camp and were intact at the closing ceremony, including 515 males and 712 female members.