NYSC frowns at corps members’ engagement in local politics

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has warned corps members commencing their primary assignment from Dec. 15, against engaging in local politics in their communities of posting.

Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, the NYSC Director-General, gave the warning on Tuesday, at the Closing Ceremony of the orientation course for the 2021 Batch “C” Stream II set of corps members at the Kubwa Orientation camp, Abuja.

Ibrahim urged the corps members to rather focus on undertaking personal and group community development projects that will uplift the living standard of the community.

“I must emphasise that engagement in their local politics is a no-go area for you. I enjoin you to undertake personal and group community development service projects that will help to uplift the living standard of the people.

“My dear compatriots, as you begin the next phase of the service year, I urge you to sustain the spirit of patriotism, hard work, and resilience that you imbibed during the orientation course.

“It is my ardent hope that you strive to meet the experiences of Nigerians by contributing toward the progress and development of our fatherland.

“In keeping with the objectives of the scheme, you are expected to integrate into your host communities while also appreciating and respecting their cultures,” Ibrahim said.

He urged corps members to abide by the oath of allegiance that they swore to and accept their areas of posting in good faith.

Ibrahim also assured the corps members that the scheme would do its best to optimise the impact of the NYSC programme.

“Your letters of posting to places of primary assignment will be handed to you soon after this ceremony.

“In this regard, I will like to remind you of your oath of adherence in which you pledged to accept posting in good faith.

“I enjoin you to perform your duties with diligence and be guided by the provisions of the NYSC Act and Bye-laws as well as workshop rules and regulations.

“I wish to assure you that management will continue to explore avenues for optimising the impact of the programme,” the director-general said.

He advised the corps members to remain security conscious by staying clear of acts that could put them in harm’s way.

According to Ibrahim, these acts include staying out late at night, attending night parties, visiting dangerous places, and accepting car rides from strangers.

The director-general told the corps members “you can rest assured that management remains committed to your security and general welfare.

“We are in constant liaison with security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure your safety as well as address 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.

“You must be wary of acts that can soil our image, especially vices such as drug abuse and trafficking, cybercrime, and advanced-fee-fraud.

“Your membership of the service corps does not confer immunity from the legal consequences of any wrongdoing,” Shuaibu said.

He called on corps members to ensure that they observed the COVID-19 protocols at all times while also urging those that were unvaccinated to get vaccinated.

It was reported that three corps members were granted certificates of commendation for their outstanding contribution and excellent service delivery to the NYSC FCT Secretariat.

The corps members are: Adamu Charity with state code number FC/21C/4916; Akinwale Precious, state code number FC/21C/4967; and Yakubu Amack, state code number FC/21C/4803.

No fewer than 2,266 corps members were registered and participated in the two-week orientation course which was held from Nov. 30 to Dec. 14.