Akpan Umoh, Uyo
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig -Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, has commiserated with the families of five corps members, who lost their lives along Abuja-Abaji-Expressways on July 28 on their way to orientation camp in Katsina.
Ibrahim also directed that the NYSC flag should fly at half-mast for three days in honour of the departed corps members.
The DG said this during a condolence visit to the families in the 2 Brigade Headquarters, Uyo on Thursday.
He said that the news of the ghastly motor accident was a devastating blow to the entire family of NYSC and prayed God to grant the families the fortitude to bear the loss.
“Yesterday was a black Wednesday in NYSC, we woke up with sad news that five of our Corps Members lost their lives along Abuja-Abaji-Kwali Expressway.
“So, I have to rush down to the hospital to really confirmed if it was true and at last, it was true.
“We are completely devastated and diminished, because as a parent we know what it takes to train your child to this level. It is like an investment, and it is an investment, but who are we to question God.
“There is nothing anyone can do, than to pray God Almighty to give you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“The Corps Members were patriotic and was on their way to do the best for their country. It is quite unfortunate, sad and I lack words to console you.
“I want to assure you on behalf of NYSC management and the entire staff of NYSC that you, please accept our heartfelt condolences.
“We are directed to observe a minute silence and NYSC flag to fly at half-mast for three days in memory of these heros,” Ibrahim said.
The DG reminded corps members not to embark on night travels to ensure safety.
Responding on behalf of the families, Rev. Isaiah Ekanem of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, uncle of late Victor Joseph Akpan, thanked the DG and NYSC management for the prompt visit.
Ekanem appealed to the Federal Government and NYSC to adequately compensate the families to cushion the trauma the families were passing through.
He suggested that corps members be mobilised within the geopolitical zones to avoid future occurrence.
“With the total submission to the will of God, what am seeing here will go a long way to console the families. That God will also give us the fortitude to bear the loss.
“I am praying that the FG and NYSC will device better means to mobilise corps members to avoid future occurrence.
“If I am given opportunity, I will suggest two things; that FG and NYSC will limit the mobilisation to be within geopolitical zones as to avoid long distance travels,” Ekanem said.