Emmanuel orders for immediate completion of camp clinic

Akpan Umoh

The Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has ordered for immediate completion of camp clinic for members of the National Youth Service Corps.

The governor stated also that the camp clinic, when completed, would be stocked with drugs, equipment and other necessary materials before December orientation course.

Emmanuel, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports, Mrs Mary Bassey, gave the directive during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2020 Batch B Stream 1A Corps members on Monday at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai LGA.

The governor urged the corps members, who have been posted to the state to adhere strictly to coronavirus guidelines during the period of orientation and service year.

He commended the measures, which have been adopted by the NYSC management to minimize the level of interaction among corps members in the camp in line with present realities.

Emmanuel advised corps members to always wear their facemask, observe regular hand washing and practice social distancing at all times.

“My dear corps members, ladies and gentlemen, I am convinced that we are not unaware of the ravaging consequences of COVID-19 Pandemic.

“This is a disease that has killed over a million people globally. Its devastating effect on economies around the world needs not be overemphasized.

“I charge you therefore, to complement the efforts of all tiers of government aimed at containing the spread. This, you will do by ensuring strict compliance to basic safety protocols of wearing facemask, regular washing of hands and physical distancing.

“I commend all measures adopted by NYSC management to minimize interaction in camp. This gave rise to drastic reduction in corps participants and camp officials in this orientation programme.

“No effort must be spared to ensure adequate provision of facilities that will guarantee the well-being of all camp participants.

“Accordingly, I hereby direct immediate completion of the camp clinic and stock with necessary equipment and materials that will make it fully functional before commencement of the next orientation course in December,” Emmanuel said.

Earlier in his remarks, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Julius Amusan, commended the governor for providing an enabling environment for the scheme to thrive.

According to Amusan, the orientation exercise was conducted under strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols, adding that the scheme had deployed NCDC officials into the camp to enforce COVID-19 standards.

He appealed to Emmanuel to render support possible towards enhancing the welfare of the corps members and camp officials.

The coordinator added that at the close of registration, which lasted for six days due to the COVID-19 protocols, a total of 567 corps members were registered, comprising 283 males and 284 females.