Fides Media Living the Faith
By Adejumoke Alebiosu
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, has cautioned Prospective Corps Members on the need to adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols as well as security measures put in place to safeguard their lives and ensure the success of the forthcoming 2021 Batch ‘B’ Orientation Course scheduled to commence on the 27th July, 2021.
The Director-General gave this directive while interacting with stakeholders and hundreds of Prospective Corps Members who participated in a Virtual webinar meeting organized by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
General Ibrahim congratulated the Prospective Corps Members on their successful graduation from various institutions of learning within and outside the country, stressing that the Scheme appreciated their readiness to answer the clarion call to serve the their fatherland.
While acknowledging the unprecedented support and unwavering commitment of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on the safe return of Orientation Course activities, the Director-General urged the Prospective Corps Members on transit to camps to avoid night Journeys and make adequate utilization of various Corps Lodges, Military, Police, other Security Barracks and formations nationwide for stop-over where necessary.
He further urged the Prospective Corps Members to always consider their status as patriotic citizens of the country who must ensure effective use of the social media for the promotion of national unity rather than engage in peddling rumours and fake news capable of undermining the peace and security of the country.
General Ibrahim also used the occasion to inform Prospective the Corps Members that only eligible graduates will be registered in the camps, warning that those who present fake documents will be arrested and prosecuted.
In his own remarks during the Meeting, the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu commended the partnership with NYSC describing it as ‘incredible collaboration’, stressing that virtually all Nigerians are increasingly influenced by the positive impact of NYSC programmes and activities.
The NCDC boss further admonished Prospective Corps Members to note that the world is currently experiencing extraordinary challenges occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that for the proactive and exemplary leadership displayed by the NYSC Director-General, orientation exercise and the Service Year activities would not have been sustainable.
He therefore encouraged PCMs to be disciplined, keep healthy and be alive to their responsibilities, noting that as Corps Members, they are part of the national response on the fight against the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
The NCDC Boss while expressing optimism of a successful Orientation Course and service year, further enjoined Prospective Corps Members to cooperate with NCDC and NYSC officials in the Camps, assuring that limitations arising from measures put in place to check the spread of the virus would not affect the orientation exercise.
He however urged them to make necessary adjustments in order to safeguard their lives and guarantee a hitch-free orientation course.