Stay out of local politics, NYSC warns corps members

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Director-General (DG) of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim has warned corps members against the temptation of dabbling into local politics as they were posted to places of their primary assignments.

Ibrahim, said this through the Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Chinyere Ekwe, during the closing ceremony for the 2021 Batch ‘C’ Stream 1 corps members at the orientation camp at Ikot Itie Udung in Nsit Atai LGA of Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday.

Ibrahim urged the corps members to be always security conscious and steer clear of acts that could lead them to trouble, like staying out late and attending night parties.

He urged them to be good ambassadors of NYSC and be wary of acts that could soil the image of NYSC, especially drug abuse and trafficking, cybercrime, and advanced fee fraud.

“I enjoin you to perform your duties with diligence and be guided by the provisions of NYSC Act and Bye-Laws as well as workplace rules and regulations.

“In keeping with the objectives of the scheme, you are expected to integrate into your host communities while also appreciating and respecting their cultures. I must, however, emphasise that engagement in their local politics is a no-go-area for you,” Ibrahim said.

The DG urged the corps members to build on the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) knowledge acquired to be self-employed.

He said the NYSC management would continue to liaise with financial institutions and other stakeholders to provide those willing to start up businesses with start-up loans to enable them to actualise their business dreams.

Ibrahim warned corps members against using social media for ethnic jingoism and rumour paddling, rather they should use social media for self-improvement.

The DG advised corps members to always cut short their trips by 6 pm in the evening and pass the night at military barracks and other safe locations.

“I would like to reiterate our warning against unauthorised journeys and night trips. Travelling at night will not only increase the risk of an accident but also make rescue difficult,” he said.

Ibrahim appealed to corps employers to always accept corps members posted to them and make the necessary provisions for their welfare.

He urged corps employers to mentor corps members posted to them properly for them to develop their potentials during their primary assignment.

The state coordinator, Mrs Chinyere Ekwe, thanked Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom for the provision of welfare package and transport allowance to the corps members and camp officials.

Ekwe commended the state government for always coming to support the scheme activities and other assistance rendered to the corps members during and after orientation camp.