A total of 1198 Corps members for the 2022 BATCH ‘A’ Stream II, posted to Yobe state for the mandatory National Youths Service Scheme were on Wednesday sworn in by Yobe State Chief Judge, Justice GK Kaigama who was represented by Justice Karimatu Bulama Yusuf with a call on them to acquire skills for self development.
Addressing the Corps members after the swearing-in, the Director General of the NYSC, Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim reminded them that the oath of allegiance they have taken was significant, as it is expected to guide their conduct in the Service Year as well as have everlasting influence on their life after service.
He added that, “You are also enjoined to familiarize yourselves with the provisions of the NYSC Act and the NYSC Bye-Laws saying that, “As you are already aware, one of the major objectives of NYSC is the promotion of national unity and integration” .
According to him, “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 broader understanding of the country, but also entrench the culture of working together in an atmosphere filled with friendship, peace, harmony, and shared vision of a great and prosperous Nigeria”.
The DG who was represented by the State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Hafsat Yerima also implored them to sustain the high level of discipline and enthusiasm they have demonstrated so far, especially by remaining compliant with the Camp rules and regulations saying, “You must continue to distance yourselves from cultism, drug abuse and other social vices” .
“I also urge you to avoid using the social media for spreading fake news, fueling of hatred and other negative purposes, and instead deploy same for the promotion of national unity and development. You are strongly advised to be security conscious at all times, and to report any suspicious characters or activities around you to the appropriate authorities”, he added.
Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim who is an Associate Professor reminded the Corps members that white-collar jobs are not readily available saying, “Therefore, I encourage you to avail yourselves of opportunities for self-employment offered through our Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme” .
He advised that, “You are expected to choose from any of the skill areas, and make yourselves available for the training, which starts from the Orientation Camp. On our part, Management will continue to work with relevant stakeholders for the success of the programme” .
He added that, “As you are all aware, the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over. You must, therefore, adhere strictly to the outlined preventive measures such as physical distancing, wearing of face masks and the use of hand washing facilities provided at strategic locations throughout the Orientation period”.
The DG also reminded them that the Federal Government’s directive on presentation of evidence of COVID-19 vaccination as a pre-requisite for gaining entry to public offices is still in force, “therefore, I encourage those of you, who are yet to take the vaccine, to do so without further delay as the rule will apply to you both in your places of Primary Assignment and other public offices” .
He assured that, “We are sustaining our liaison with the relevant authorities with a view to ensuring that the vaccines are made available to you in the course of this programme” .
According to the DG, the Orientation Course is the first Cardinal Programme of NYSC, and is aimed at introducing the Corps members to the objectives and programmes of the Scheme.
It is designed to equip them for the tasks of the Service Year through lessons on the Cardinal Programmes, leadership coaching, paramilitary drills and other physical trainings as well as sensitization on topical national issues, amongst others.
It is also a platform for kick-starting various activities that will enable them realize their potentials, and attain individual feats both within and beyond the period of service enjoining them to avail themselves of this once-in-a-life-time opportunity by participating actively in all the Camp activities.
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