Ahead of the 2023 general elections, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to Osun State have been warned to desist from meddling in local politics.
The corps members were rather enjoined to undertake personal and group community development service projects that would uplift the living standard of the people of their host communities.
This warning was given by Christy Uba, the NYSC Acting Director General, at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Batch C Stream II orientation course at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Ede.
Represented by Abdulwahab Olayinka, the Osun State NYSC Coordinator, Uba, while issuing the warning, also reminded the corps members that membership of the NYSC did not confer on them immunity from the legal consequences of any wrongdoing, enjoining them to continue to be law-abiding while also serving as role models for the younger ones.
In her words, “Also remember that your membership of the Service Corps does not confer on you immunity from the legal consequences of any wrongdoing. You are, therefore, enjoined to continue to be law-abiding while also serving as role models for the younger ones.
“I urge you to avoid using social media for ethnic jingoism, rumour peddling and the promotion of hatred. Instead, your activities online should be targeted at self-improvement as well as the promotion of the unity, peace and development of our dear country. In the same vein, avoid being speculative on issues affecting the NYSC and, instead, visit our website, social media platforms and other official channels for clarifications.
“At this juncture, I would like to reiterate our warning against unauthorized journeys and night trips. Travelling at night will not only increase the risk of accident, but also make rescue difficult. You are, therefore, advised to always cut short your trips from six o’clock in the evening and pass the night at NYSC Lodges, military barracks and other locations officially designated as safe. Furthermore, you should board vehicles only at approved motor parks so as to avoid falling into the hands of criminals.”
Uba also cautioned the corps members to be security conscious at all times, as security is everyone’s business.
“You should avoid acts that can endanger your lives such as staying out late, attending night parties, visitation of dangerous places, and acceptance of car rides and gifts from strangers. Management remains committed to making adequate provisions for your welfare and security.
“Accordingly, we are in constant liaison with security agencies and other critical stakeholders with a view to ensuring your safety as well as addressing other essential needs for a fulfilling service year.
“At all times, you should be good ambassadors of the NYSC as well as your families and institutions of graduation. Therefore, you must be wary of acts that can portray the Scheme in bad light, especially drug abuse and trafficking, cybercrime and Advanced-Fee-Fraud and spreading of fake news, amongst others.”
While expressing optimism that the corps members will strive to meet the expectations of Nigerians by contributing towards the progress and development of the country, Uba appealed to corps employers to always accept corps members posted to them and make the necessary provisions for their welfare.
“In addition, I urge employers to mentor these young Nigerians properly to enable them develop their potentials. I also call on other stakeholders, including State and Local Government authorities as well as traditional rulers, to give the necessary encouragement to the Corps members,” she added.
