2023: Uba urges corps members to be patriotic

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Acting Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Mrs Christy Uba, has urged corps members willing to go on election duties to be patriotic in the discharge of their services to the nation.

Uba gave the charge during the closing ceremony of the 2022 Batch ‘C’ stream II corps members at the NYSC orientation camp, Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai LGA on Tuesday.

The DG urged those interested in the election duties in 2023 to be fully prepared and carry out the duty with patriotism.

She advised interested members to avail themselves of 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 corps 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 corps members, so those willing should be prepared and carry out the duty patriotically,” Uba said.

The acting director general further advised the corps members to desist from meddling in local politics as they were leaving the camp to integrate into society for their primary assignments.

She urged them to be security conscious at all times and avoid acts that could 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 the institution of graduation. 

“Therefore, you must be wary of acts that can portray the scheme in a bad light; especially, drug abuse, trafficking, cybercrime and advanced- fee -fraud among other such vices, ” she said.

Uba applauded the corps members for an impressive report on their successful participation in entrepreneurial training in the camp, under the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme. 

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.

Uba said that NYSC management was committed to making adequate provisions for the welfare and security, of corps members.

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

The DG 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 also inaugurated a- 14-room convenience facility for use by corps members in camp.

Earlier in her remarks, the Akwa Ibom Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Chinyere Ekwe, said she had taken it upon herself to enhance the living condition of corps members and camp officials since her assumption of office.

She appreciated the support of the acting DG and the state government in 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 corps members leaving the camp,” Ekwe said.