By Katurak Yashim
The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, has warned Corps Members against executing development projects in areas of primary assignments using their personal funds.
Ibrahim gave the warning in Abuja at a nationwide virtual address ahead of the commencement of the 2021 Batch ‘B’ Stream II service year.
In a statement issued after the virtual address by Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi, the NYSC Director of Press and Public Relations, Gen. Ibrahim urged corps members to identify challenges in their host communities and add value.
He, however, charged them to source funding for such development projects from their host communities and not from personal funds.
“Look around your host communities to identify their challenges and add value. Do not pass through the NYSC and the community where you are going to serve without adding value to it. Choose projects that your host communities will appreciate.
“Study your host communities after completing the orientation course and initiate laudable projects that will improve their standard of living.
“You must, however, not execute projects with personal funds but source funds from members of your host communities.
The director-general reiterated that a corps member must excel in the NYSC four cardinal programmes and also win the state honors award to become a prospective recipient of the NYSC National Honors Award.
The four cardinal programmes include orientation, primary assignment, community development services, and the winding-up or passing out.
He insisted that corps members who lobby for a change of posting or facilitate rejection from places of primary assignment will automatically be disqualified from becoming prospective recipients of the award.
Ibrahim quoted Yakubu Gowon, founder of the scheme in his 1973 inaugural address, as saying “NYSC was established so that the youth will put in their best in the service of the country without asking for anything in return.”
The director-general said that the scheme expects corps members to be patriotic by accepting postings across the country without resistance.
The NYSC boss urged corps members to strictly adhere to all the COVID-19 safety protocols and continually sensitize Nigerians to the dangers of the virus.
“I want to warn you that COVID-19 is still around so get vaccinated to protect yourself and others.
“Do not be deceived with the misinformation in the public space concerning COVID-19. All camps participants were tested for the virus and only those that tested negative were allowed into the camps.
“Those that tested positive were handed over to the NCDC and state health officials for treatment.
Ibrahim enjoined corps members to take advantage of the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme of the scheme to learn a skill.
He assured that the scheme had partnered with the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry, Access Bank, Unity Bank, and NYSC Foundation to provide soft loans to corps members to start businesses post-service.
“You must respect the dignity of labor and do not allow anyone to discourage you. Salary jobs are no longer available.
“Avoid cutting corners, cherish your integrity with passion and be hardworking; you will excel. Shun cybercrimes, drugs, and do not get involved in nefarious activities.
“Use the social media to promote national unity and integration and not to spread fake news.
The Director-General also warned corps members against embarking on unauthorized journeys and remain security conscious at all times, saying “avoid boarding vehicles by the roadside, rather, use designated motor packs.”
Ibrahim said that the NYSC has partnered with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and transport unions to provide roadworthy vehicles and professional drivers when corps members embark on journeys. (NAN)
