Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
The Acting Director-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs Christy Ubah, has urged corps members to identify and initiate projects that can impact positively on their host communities during the service year.
Ubah, who gave the advice while addressing the 2022 Batch C, stream 11, Corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana-Ipaja, said that the effort would go a long way to the development of Nigeria.
“Immediately you’re posted, you should begin to initiate efforts and notify of any project that you have identified in your host community that can influence the populace, do not waste time.
“All these will contribute to the growth of our dear nation, you’re therefore encouraged to accept your primary assignments posting and in good faith so that you serve with commitment and dedication.
“Do not cut corners. Do things the right way. Build bridges and relationships. You’re going to benefit from it later. It is one of the assets you’ll gather here and it’s going to help you in the future,” Ubah added.
She said that corps members must follow channels of communication available in the scheme to address issues.
She also cautioned against social media, saying “don’t go to social media to report allowance issue, if caught, you’ll be sanctioned appropriately”.
On the 2023 general election, the acting Director-General called on corps members who may participate to take advantage of the election sensitisation programmes and training to get knowledge.
She urged them to be neutral, apolitical, patriotic and not to compromise and to do the right things during the election.
Ubah appealed to politicians to protect the corps members and put them first before their personal interests.
“They should see them as their children, whatever they will not like to happen to their own children, they should equally not allow it to happen to these ones”.
On the sideline, Ubah said she was delighted with the achievements of the scheme.
She attributed the outcomes to the efforts, contributions and innovations of corps members toward unity and nation building.
“They are always eager to participate and put in their best which shows that there is hope for this country.
“I am glad that this scheme is still moving in spite of the challenges, including insecurity which does not deter them. I am happy that they’ve not relented,” she added.
Speaking, Mrs Yetunde Baderinwa, the Coordinator of NYSC in Lagos, said that the attitude of the NYSC members toward the general orientation courses was impressive as they had been involved in camp administration.
Baderinwa said all camp officials and collaborating bodies were doing well in the course and discharge of their duties and that all activities were progressing well.
She noted that the Lagos State Government (LASG) had been making selfless effort to ensure that issues of the scheme took priority, adding that it provided bunk beds, mattresses, pillows and fixed nets on the windows and doors.
While soliciting the service of ambulance to support the two on ground, Baderinwa appealed for continuous work in earnest at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Agbowa, Ikorodu, by the LASG.
According to her, inadequate space in the temporary orientation camp at Iyana-Ipaja has remained a major challenge.