Sixteen National Youth Service Corps members posted to Kaduna State, who tested positive for COVID-19, on Monday completed their three-week orientation course after undergoing treatment at isolation centres.

State NYSC Coordinator Isah Wana, who spoke after the orientation, said the 16 corps members were part of the 1,500 Batch ‘B’ (Stream I) posted to the state.

He said they were treated and reabsorbed into the camp. “As being done in NYSC camps … each worker and corps member took COVID-19 test at the entrance and those positive were taken to isolation centres for treatment.

“In our camp, 16 corps members tested positive for COVID-19 and they have been treated by the COVID-19 team and later joined the orientation exercise after being certified free,” he said.

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Governor Nasir El-Rufai, speaking at the closing ceremony, urged the corps members to abide by COVID-19 protocols.

The governor, who was represented by Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development Hajiya Hafsat Baba promised that his administration would provide security for corps members in their primary assignments.

“It is a defining period for all of us in Nigeria since the outbreak of COVID-19, which has affected the economy of our country and the world. I urge you to be conscious of your health, imbibe good hygiene and observe COVID-19 preventive measures.

“I have directed that more efforts be made towards provision of critical facilities in the permanent orientation camp, including construction of new and renovation of old hostels  for the comfort and conducive stay of corps members.

“This is what prompted the use of this temporary orientation camp at Government College, Kurmin Mashi, Kaduna State.  “Our expectation is that you will reciprocate this gesture by contributing towards the socio-economic development of Kaduna State.

“While at your places of primary assignment, I encourage you to interact with your host communities, learn their culture, join hands with the government to ensure a violence-free and peaceful society. The nation places on you high expectations and I pray you will not let us down.

“I want to assure you that security of lives and properties of all, including corps members, remains the top priority of my administration”, El-Rufai said.