ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, Yenagoa
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has deployed 1,600 corps members to Bayelsa State for the 2022 Batch B, Stream II corps for their national service and restated its commitment to champion issues of national integration, unity, peace and development.
The Director General, NYSC, Brig-Gen. M.K. Fadah witnessed the opening/swearing-in ceremony of corps members in Kaiama, Bayelsa State, performed by Hon Justice Timipre Songi, who represented the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Kate Abiri.
Fadah reminded the corps members that the oath of allegiance they took was significant and expected to guide their conduct during and after their service year.
The NYSC DG, who was represented by the State Coordinator, Mr Muhammed Jiya, restated that part of the objectives for setting up the corps was to sustain the promotion of national unity and integration.
He stated: “As you are already aware, one of the major objectives of NYSC is the promotion of national unity and integration. This informed your deployment away from your states of origin and your assemblage here from diverse ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.
“This policy will not only offer you the opportunity for a broader understanding of the country but also entrench the culture of working together in an atmosphere filled with friendship, peace, harmony and a shared vision of a great and prosperous Nigeria.”
He also urged them to sustain the high level of discipline and enthusiasm they had demonstrated, especially by remaining compliant with the camp’s rules and regulations.
He stressed: “You must continue to distance yourselves from cultism, drug abuse and other social vices. I also urge you to avoid using social media for spreading fake news, fueling hatred and other negative purposes.
“Instead, deploy the same energy for the promotion of national unity and development. And you are also strongly advised to be security conscious at all times, and to report any suspicious characters or activities around you to the appropriate authorities.”
He expressed appreciation of the service corps to the National Assembly for the passage of the NYSC Trust Fund bill into law, saying the development would enhance the smooth operations of the scheme, especially by addressing the challenge of infrastructure, boosting NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme and empower corps members for self-empowerment and wealth creation.
He appealed to all critical stakeholders to support the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) which is aimed at providing easier access to free and qualitative health care.
He thanked the federal, state and local governments as well as security, traditional rulers, corps employers and other stakeholders for putting the welfare and security of corps members as a top priority.