The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has called on relevant stakeholders in Gombe State to support corps members posted to the state to fulfil their mandate in their respective places of primary assignments.
Director-General of NYSC, Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, gave the charge on Thursday, during the closing ceremony of the 2022 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Orientation Course at the Amada temporary camp in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
Ibrahim said that corps members needed the support of all the stakeholders in their places of primary assignments to encourage the youths towards effective service to their fatherland.
Ibrahim, who was represented by Mrs Ada Imoni, the state coordinator of the scheme, urged the stakeholders at all levels to accord priority to corps members’ welfare, and provide the enabling environment for them to develop their potential.
“I appeal to corps members employers to accept corps members that will be posted to you.
“You are expected to accord priority to their welfare, and provide the enabling environment for them to develop their potentials.
“I also call on states and local government authorities, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to give them the necessary encouragement, especially through support for their Community Development Service initiatives.”
Ibrahim also advised the corps members to be diligent in performing their duties and to ensure they make remarkable impact in their host communities.
“I also urge you to integrate into your host communities through learning of their languages and cultures.
“Furthermore, you should devote time to identify the felt needs of the communities, and initiate personal and group Community Development Service projects that will uplift their living standards.”
The D-G commended the support of State Governments, Local Government Councils, Security Agencies, the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, traditional rulers, Corps Employers and other stakeholders.
A total of 1,321, 2022 Batch ‘A’ Stream II corps members comprising 644 males and 677 females will be posted to various communities across Gombe State for their primary assignment.
The DG also assured of the security and welfare of corps members adding that these are topmost priority to the scheme.
Ibrahim gave the assurance on Thursday in Mangu, Plateau, while addressing the 2022 Batch “A’ stream II corps members at the formal closing and passing out from the orientation programme.
Ibrahim, represented by the State Coordinator, NYSC in Plateau, Ms Caroline Embu, revealed that the NYSC had sustained its liaison with security agencies.
He said that the measure was not only to ensure their safety but also make essential provisions that would enable the corps members have a fulfilling service year.
The D-G, however, cautioned the corps members to be security conscious at all times and avoid risky engagements such as staying out late at night, attending late night parties and the acceptance of car rides from strangers.
He further warned them against embarking on unauthorised journeys especially night trips.
He cautioned them to ensure they board vehicles from authorised motor parks.
The D-G appealed to employers to accept corps members posted to them, and to prioritise their welfare and provide an enabling environment for them to develop their potentials.
Ibrahim tasked the corps members to respect the cultures and traditions of their host communities and integrate seamlessly.
He urged the corps members to serve as ambassadors of the NYSC by offering selfless service and by being instruments of unity in their host communities.
He further tasked the corps members to remain patriotic and hardworking during their service year.
The D-G enjoined them to embark on Community Development Services that would be of immense benefit to their host communities.
Ibrahim also challenged the corps members to participate in the post-camp Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme (SAED) and become proficient in a particular skill.
He said such proficiency would equip them for self-development and service which would in turn improve their socio-economic status after their service year.
Meanwhile, the DG has also instructed corps members to register in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to enjoy the full healthcare benefits it offers.
The DG, represented by Malam Ibrahim Tukur, NYSC Coordinator Adamawa, spoke at the closing ceremony of the 2022 NYSC Batch A stream two Orientation programme in Damare, Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa on Thursday.
He commended the Federal Government for considering corps members under the comprehensive initiative.
“I enjoin all corps members to take full advantage of this arrangement by registering under the healthcare providers in their service locations and always report promptly for medical attention in event of ill health.
“Corps members can also visit any NHIS accredited hospital during official leave period outside their service locations,”he said.
Ibrahim also advised the corps members to be diligent in the performance of their duties in their respective places of primary assignment.
“I also urge you to integrate into your host communities through learning their language and culture.
“You should devote time to identify the needs of the communities and initiate personal and group Community Development Service (CDS) projects that will uplift their living standards,”he said.
The D-G further advised the corps members to apply for skills acquisition training for self-employment and wealth creation as well as to impact on the host communities.
He warned against any forms of social vices, unauthorised journey and night trips for their safety and security.
No fewer than 1,850 corps members successfully completed the orientation programme and posted to their respective places of primary assignment
