No fewer than fifteen corps members out of the 1,831 that participated in the 2021 Batch B, Stream 1 service year were sanctioned for alleged misconduct and other offences.
Seven out of the defaulting corps members had their service year extended due to absenteeism, while eight others are to start afresh for absconding from the compulsory national assignment.
The Bayelsa State Government, however, reassured the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) of its continued support for the scheme to achieve its set objectives in the state.
Governor Douye Diri gave the assurance during the passing out parade ceremony of the 2021 Batch B, Stream 1 corps members held at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, the state capital.
Governor Diri, who was represented at the ceremony by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, pledged commitment to improved welfare and security of corps members posted to the state for the mandatory one-year service.
He said Bayelsa ranks among the best in terms of monthly remuneration and other welfare packages for youth corps members because of the importance the state government accords to the national civic duty.
The Bayelsa Chief Executive described the scheme as the shining light of the nation, which boasts of highly educated and patriotic youths, explaining that NYSC represented the country’s hope for a united, peaceful and egalitarian society.
He charged the corps members to remain diligent and patriotic, and to avoid actions that would bring shame to themselves, their families and the NYSC Scheme.
The Governor said Bayelsa was home to all Nigerians and insisted that Corps members who had just completed their national service were at liberty to stay back in the state to pursue their personal and legitimate goals.
He charged them to make the best use of the vocational skills they had acquired during their service year and be good ambassadors of Bayelsa State wherever they go.
“Our government will accord the NYSC Scheme all the necessary support it needs to achieve the objectives of the scheme, while also giving our commitment to the improved welfare and security of corps members still in service. As you get set to be demobilized from service today, (Thursday), I charge you to remain diligent and patriotic. Avoid any action that will bring shame to your families and the NYSC”.
“Let me assure those of you that wish to stay back in the state that Bayelsa State will continue to be a home for you all. For those of you that will return to your states of residence, I charge you to be good ambassadors of Bayelsa State. Tell your people the good stories of this state that had become your home in the past year and whenever you have the opportunity of giving back, don’t forget Bayelsa State”, he said.
