Yemisi Izuora
The Director General, DG, of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, has warned Corps members to always be security conscious throughout the service year.
Ibrahim, gave the advice while addressing the 2020 Batch ‘B’ Stream IB Prospective Corps Members at the Lagos and Ogun State Orientation Camps.
The Director-General, who cautioned them against attendance of night parties, lone movements and night travels, also said they should avoid boarding vehicles by the roadside and instead patronise designated motorparks.
He added that approval must be obtained from relevant authorities in the NYSC before travelling, warning that any Corps member that embarked on unauthorised journey would be sanctioned.
“Don’t violate NYSC Bye-Laws. l urge you to take your security very serious. Shun cultism, cybercrime, drug addiction and ethnic bigotry,” he said.
He advised them to be conversant with the security agencies in their respective host communities.
Ibrahim enjoined the Corps members to use the period of the Orientation course to lay foundation for contribution to national unity and cohesion, and participate fully in all the other Cardinal Programmes of NYSC.
“As Corps Members you are to promote the unity, integration and peaceful co-existence of the country”, he said.
The Director-General also advised them to be disciplined, patriotic and serve as good ambassadors of their families and NYSC.
He admonished the Corps members to emulate their predecessors, who distinguished themselves in the fight against COVID-19 by producing facemasks, hand sanitizers, liquid soaps and disinfection chambers among other things.
He equally urged them to observe the COVID-19 safety protocols wherever they found themselves.
Ibrahim, further enjoined them to initiate and execute projects that would add value to their host communities and serve as legacies after their service year.
The Director-General stressed the need for them to strive towards becoming self-employed, especially by availing themselves of opportunities provided through the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.
“Acquire entrepreneurial skills and respect the dignity of labour. Do not allow anyone to distract you, identify your talents and pursue your dreams with passion and be disciplined in your conduct,” he said.