From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Director General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General YD Ahmed, has issued fresh warning to corps members against embarking on night journey.
General Ahmed reminded them that night journey is prohibited in NYSC, emphasising that any corps member that embarks on any unauthorised journeys would be severely sanctioned in accordance with the NYSC Bylaws.
He however stressed that if there is any need for a compulsory journey, such corps member should terminate the journey by 6:00pm and continue the next day.
The scheme’s handed the warning on Friday while addressing the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream Two Corps Members and Camp Officials at the NYSC FCT Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja.
“While traveling and once it is 6pm, anywhere you find yourselves, look for a safe place like a military barrack, police station or any Corps Lodge and pass the night to continue your journey the following day.
“I advise you to remain disciplined throughout the service year. Be security conscious in your environments and ensure you adhere strictly to NYSC Bylaws”, the DG warned.
General Ahmed also implored the corps members; “to adhere to all camp rules, make good friends, respect other people’s opinion and participate actively in all camp activities.”
While declaring the Orientation Course opened, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mariya Mahmood, enumerated the continuous support of the FCT administration to the Scheme.
In her address, Mahmood represented by the Mandate Secretary, Youth Development Secretariat, Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, also admonished the corps members to serve the nation as good ambassadors of their families.
She equally admonished them to embrace the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, designed to empower them for self employment.
NYSC FCT Coordinator, Mrs Winifred Shopeka, in her welcome address during the ceremony, disclosed that a total number of 2,557 corps members, comprising 1,098 males and 1,459 females were registered.
She further assured that they have adjusted to the regimented camp life and are ready to contribute their selfless quota to the development of the FCT.
The Coordinator lauded the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, for providing a conducive environment for the successful hosting of the Orientation Course.
She advised the corps members to; “comport themselves in a disciplined and orderly manner as any form of negative behaviour such as drug abuse, and other anti-social acts, will not be tolerated on camp and throughout the service year.
The Chief Judge of the FCT, Hon. Justice Huseini Baba Yusuf, represented by Justice Mustapha Adamu, administered the Oath of Allegiance on the corps members before the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General and other dignitaries in attendance.