By Jane Okeke
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig Gen Yusha’u Ahmed, has issued a warning to corps members to avoid travelling at night throughout their one-year service period.
The DG gave the warning on Friday in Abuja, while addressing the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream Two Corps Members and Camp Officials at the NYSC FCT Orientation Camp in Kubwa.
According to him, the management is collaborating with traditional rulers, vice chancellors, and rectors of various institutions to raise awareness among corps members about the risks and dangers associated with travelling at night.
This effort aims to educate and sensitize them on the importance of prioritizing their safety during their service year.
He stated that that corps members who undertake unauthorized journeys will face disciplinary action under the NYSC’s bylaws.
He said, “Majority of Corps members’ kidnapping cases are due to night travel. Therefore, I want to remind everyone that night journeys are strictly prohibited.”
“While travelling and once it is 6 pm, anywhere you find yourselves, look for a safe place like a military barrack, police station or any Corps Lodge and pass the night to continue your journey the following day.
“I advise you to remain disciplined throughout the service year. Be security conscious in your environments and ensure you adhere strictly to NYSC Byelaws.”
Also speaking, the NYSC Coordinator in FCT, Mrs Winifred Shokpeka, urged corps members to be diligent and take seriously the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programmes made available by the NYSC, adding that it will foster self-dependence.
She further announced that a total of 2,557 corps members were duly registered for the orientation course; comprising 1,098 males and 1,459 females.
On her part, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, congratulated the corps members for meeting all academic requirements that qualified them to participate in the NYSC scheme.
She remarked that the orientation had remained a tool for transformation for over five decades
She therefore charged corps members to adhere to rules and regulations, and be of good conduct, while assuring them of the FCT’s support.
“On our part, we shall endeavor to ensure that you undergo your orientation course in safety, and that your welfare is taken care of within the limited resources available to us.
“Your security is also top priority as government has deployed several security agencies to the camp to ensure the security of your lives and property. I, however, charge you to also assist in this regard by being law-abiding and security conscious,” she said.
