Kazeem Badmus
THE Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Shuaibu Ibrahim, has warned corps members in the State of Osun against participation in local politics in their respective host communities.
Ibrahim also advised the corps members to present themselves for COVID-19 vaccination, in order to guide against the deadly virus.
Ibrahim gave the advice during the terminal parade and closing ceremony of the 2021 Batch ‘B’, Stream II Orientation on Tuesday at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Ede, State of Osun.
This was just as he charged corps members to help in sensitising members of their host communities about preventive measures against the Coronavirus pandemic, including the need to accept the vaccines.
Speaking through the State Coordinator of the scheme, Mr. Ayodele Adegoke, Gen. Ibrahim commended the corps members for complying with the COVID-19 prevention protocol during their stay in camp, adding that they must not let their guards down as the virus is still much around.
He said: “While commending you for complying with the COVID-19 prevention protocols during your stay in camp, I wish to remind you that the virus is still around.
“You are therefore, advised to continue to be on your guard everywhere you find yourselves. I also encourage you to present yourselves for the COVID-19 vaccination and, if already taken, watch out for invitation for the second jab, where applicable.
“In addition, I charge you to help in sensitising members of the host communities about preventive measures, including the need to accept the vaccines”.
Speaking on the security and general welfare of corps members, Ibrahim said management of the scheme are in constant liaison with security agencies and other stakeholders with the view of ensuring safety as well as addressing other essential needs for a fulfilling service year.
He however, warned corps members not to engage in local politics in their host communities, describing it as a no-go- area.
Ibrahim said: “My dear corps members, I wish to reaffirm the commitment of the management to your security and general welfare. Accordingly, we are in constant liaison with security agencies and other stakeholders with the view of ensuring your safety as well as addressing other essential needs for a fulfilling service year.
“Let me stress that you must be security-conscious at all times. In particular, I advise you to avoid risky engagements such as staying out late at night, attendance of late night parties, visitation of dangerous places and acceptance of car ride from strangers.
“I also implore you to shun drug abuse and trafficking, cybercrime, advanced-free-fraud, and other vices. Do also remember that engagement in the local politics of your host communities is a no-go- area for you. In all circumstances, always be conscious of the implications of your action or inaction for the image of your family, the NYSC and your institutions of graduation”.
While urging corps members to accept their posting in good faith and perform their duties with diligence, Ibrahim appealed to corps employers to provide an enabling environment for them to develop their potentials.
“I urge you to accept posting to any location and endeavour in good faith and perform your duties with diligence. You are also expected to appreciate and respect the cultures of the host communities.
“At this juncture, I wish to appeal to corps employers to not only accept corps members that will be posted to them, but also provide the enabling environment for them to develop their potentials”.
