Insecurity: Avoid unnecessary journeys, NYSC DG tells Corps members

The Director General of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, warned the 2024 Batch A Stream l Corps members deployed to Oyo State to avoid unnecessary journeys without proper permission from the scheme management throughout their service year.

Ahmed gave the warning on Wednesday during his visit to the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp Iseyin, Oyo State.

He reiterated the scheme’s commitment to protecting every corps member and warned them against unsanctioned travels.

The NYSC DG emphasised that it is mandatory for every Corps member to obtain proper permission before embarking on any journey.

“Do not embark on unnecessary journeys, settle down in your PPA and impact your host community.

“Unnecessary journey will end up bringing much trouble. So please don’t look at the one year as being too long. You stayed in your higher institutions for many, and one year shouldn’t be a problem.

“The security agencies are on top of the situation. Military, DSS, and police are always there for Corps members. And before we set out for this exercise, the security agencies had given us assurances that they are sending patrols around the routes to orientation camps to secure the prospective corps members. By and large, since Thursday last week, we have not recorded any security challenges. We thank God that there is no problem so far and we are good to go.

“I also want to discourage the Corps members from being involved in any social vices in the camp. Cultism, drugs, and smoking are highly prohibited.

He equally informed the Corps members of the importance of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Program (SAED). He stressed that acquiring a skill or more in any chosen skill set will empower them, adding that mastering a skill remains a source of sustainable income while waiting to acquire a dream job.

“Endeavour to key into different programmes available throughout your stay here, especially the SAED programme. It is a unique opportunity to learn new skills.

“Our collaborative organisations are available to provide IT training to the Corps members. We include IT in all things we do.

He further encouraged them to add value to their lives by participating actively in the SAED during the orientation period and after post-camp training to master their chosen skills. He called on every corps member to be ready to immensely contribute their quota to national development by rendering selfless service.

On the use of social media, Ahmed tasked the corps members to use the media to foster unity and establish good relationships. Saying that negative use of social media tarnishes the good image of the scheme.

The corps members who the DG commended for their display of discipline were equally encouraged to abide by the rules guiding both the orientation exercise and the service year.

In his remark, the NYSC Oyo State coordinator, Mr Odoba Abel Oche intimated to the NYSC DG about some of the challenges being faced by the camp management.

He also expressed her profound appreciation to the DG for his visit to the camp, stating that it is an indication of a fatherly role and a source of inspiration to the corps members.