The Nation Newspaper

Tag: National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)

  • Praises as corps members revive ‘dying’ pensioner in Bayelsa

    Members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) are generally posted to schools, hospitals, local government areas, ministries, agencies and departments owned by the government to assist in rendering essential services to the society. They are mostly grouped to perform Community Development Services (CDS).

    Most of the CDS groups select and undertake projects that could improve infrastructure in their domains. But a set of corps members took everybody by surprise recently. The corps members performed a rare act of kindness; an uncommon generous display not known among their peers.

    Their CDS is medical and charity. They lived up to it. They paid a surprise visit to Mr. Tarawa Gagariga, a retired teacher who is down with stroke and abandoned by everybody. Gagariga has been living in penury and everything around him smelt poverty. He was hopelessly waiting for death to take him when the corps members came calling. They restored hope and belief in the old man, who spent a significant part of his life serving his state.

    Investigations showed that Gagariga retired from the Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board. His retirement letter was written and signed on August 26, 2008 by the then acting Chairman of the board, P.J. Atukpa. But he had nothing to show for his years of hard work.

    About 22 corps members in the CDS group visited the decrepit home of Gagariga in Odi, Kolokuma-Opokuma Local Government Area. They spent the whole day attending to the old man. They cleaned the environment, the walls of his house; washed plates and pots as well as his cloths. One of them lifted him and took him to a place where they bathed him. They changed his cloths and fed him.

    The corps members brought new household items such as food, toiletries and other accessories to the ailing man. They gave him new shirts, knickers, rice, beans, garri, groundnut oil, palm oil, detergent, toothpaste, toothbrush, tissue papers, soap, bread, milk and other beverages.

    The corps members, who spoke through their Community Liaison Officer, Moyosade Olayemi, said their gesture was borne out of the motto of the NYSC, Service and Humanity.

    “So, the purpose of NYSC is national integration and service to humanity as a way of giving back to our communities. Sequel to this, all our humanitarian services and kindness in our host community Odi Bayelsa State  is for God Almighty who rewards men,” they said.

    Olayemi said it was not the first time the corps members showed such kindness, adding that in June, they undertook a medical outreach which touched the lives of over 200 people in Odi community.

    “Putting smiles on people’s faces, especially the less-privileged is our aim because we are sure of God’s reward”, they added.

    The corps members, who took part in the exercise, are Ajana Feranmi, Johnny Joyce, Emmanuel Deborah, Anyiema R. Ishioma, Ekwueme Vivian Udoka, Moyosade R. Olayemi, Nnamdi U. Victoria, Adigun Ismael Oladapo, Okpozo E. Blessing and Moses Emmanuel C.

    Others are Omorodion Loveth, Awhopuye Bradley A, Akamune O. Talenta, Efedjare Merit, Ekhoye O. Michael, Kukogho B. Tejiri, Anagor Perpetual, Suleiman A. Nasiru, Hicks Grace Modupe, Bolarinwa Damilola, Oyedemi T. Blessing and Ebie Confidence C.

    The act of kindness did not go unnoticed as many people took to their social media platforms to pour encomiums on the corps members. Bishop Awolumate Favour said God would reward their contributions to rescue the old man.

    He said: “All your contributions to rescue the man from this obnoxious and unpalatable situation are noted. God, in His infinite mercy, will continue to be with all of you that God used at this critical time for this man.”

    Also Anifowose Joseph called on heads of local authorities in the area to advance the efforts of the corps members. He said the local government chairman, a member of the state House of Assembly, including the Speaker of the House, Tonye Isenah, who hails from the area should help to sustain the efforts of the corps members.

    Adewuyi Rita further prayed God to provide good jobs for the corps members.

    “God will bless you all and when you finish your service, God will provide good jobs for you,” she said.

  • Nigerians pay N500,000 to buy fake degrees, others, says NYSC

    The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, has said beginning from this year’s “Batch C”, only academic certificates and transcripts of foreign students authenticated by Nigerian consulates in foreign countries of study will be accepted for national service.

    The NYSC chief alleged that some African institutions sell degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) certificates and transcripts to some Nigerian students for between N300,000 to N500,000.

    Ibrahim stated this on Thursday at a meeting with representatives of 159 African institutions presenting corps members to Nigeria in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    The theme of the event was: Strategies for a Successful Mobilisation of Nigerian Foreign Graduates: The Role of Stakeholders.

    The NYSC chief threatened to blacklist institutions found culpable in the sale of degrees and HND certificates to Nigerians.

    Read Also: NYSC hails corps member kidnapped in February poll

    He said: “In recent times, there has been an upsurge in the number of graduates who cannot defend their degree certificates. Some tertiary institutions simply sell their degrees/Higher National Diploma certificates to persons who never passed through academic rigour. We have evidences of persons who possess originals of such certificates and transcripts from some universities that are represented here.

    “To check this ugly trend of certificate racketeering, we strongly recommend that the Federal Ministry of Education liaise with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that all degrees and HND certificates obtained outside the shores of Nigeria are authenticated at the Nigerian consulate in the country of study.”

  • NYSC seeks EFCC’s help to check fraudulent corps members’ mobilisation

    THE National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to support the scheme to combat fraudulent mobilisation of unqualified graduates for national service.

    The organization said it needs the support of the anti-graft agency to closely monitor the activities of unscrupulous higher institutions that present unqualified graduates for mobilisation for service.

    NYSC’s Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, raised the concern during a visit to the Acting EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Magu at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

    In a statement by the NYSC’s Director, Press and Public Relations, Adenike Adeyemi, the NYSC chief decried the increasing rate of corruption in all spheres of life in the country.

    Ibrahim noted that under his watch, workers and corps members would pursue the fight to get rid of the monster with greater zeal.

    The NYSC chief explained that the war against corruption required the support of all and sundry by joining forces with all agencies of government to eradicate the deadly menace.

    “Mr. Chairman, it is very unfortunate that some institutions of higher learning, particularly in Cotonou, Benin Republic, present to us people who didn’t go to the four walls of the university as graduates for mobilisation.

    Read Also: Ondo is NYSC friendly state, says Akeredolu

    “Currently, we are investigating some of such so-called graduates, many of whom cannot write or spell any word in English,” Ibrahim said.

    Magu pledged to assist the agency to checkmate the activities of unpatriotic persons who bring shame to the nation by their insatiable desire to make money at all cost, including the sale of academic qualifications to unqualified graduates.

    He hailed corps members for educating Nigerians on the dangers of corruption through the anti-corruption Community Development Service groups of the scheme.

     

  • Obiano donates N10m for NYSC members’ feeding

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano on Thursday announced a donation of N10 million for the supplementary feeding of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed in the state for the three-week orientation course.

    The governor announced the donation while declaring open this year’s orientation camp of 2,200 Batch “B” Stream I corps members at the Umunya Orientation Camp in Oyi Local Government Area.

    The governor, who was represented by the Head of Service (HoS), Harry Udu, reassured the corps members of his administration’s continued support to the scheme to make life more comfortable for the corps members.

    He said: “I hereby direct the NYSC State Coordinator to ensure the provision of the most sumptuous meal nationwide as I shall be supplementing the feeding in the Anambra camp with N10 million.

    “We will continue to provide the enabling environment for youths to maximise their potential of self-actualisation and employment.”

    Obiano urged the corps members to take advantage of the numerous youth-friendly policies and enabling environment in the state to build prosperity for themselves and the nation.

    Read Also: Insecurity: No sacred cows in Anambra – Obiano

    The governor praised the NYSC management and workers for curtailing the excesses of corps members, particularly embarking on unnecessary journeys outside the state.

    He advised them to exercise more patience with his administration towards the completion of the permanent orientation camp, which he said will be ready in August.

    The State Coordinator, Kehinde Aremu, regretted the delay in the completion of the permanent camp.

    He attributed it to the delay in budgetary releases.

    “We were almost 100 per cent sure of readiness of the camp, but budgetary releases stalled the total completion. That’s why we were back to the living arms of the Umunya community.

    “But looking at the commitment and body language of the governor, I’m not in doubt that the camp will be ready in August,” Aremu said.

     

  • Coordinator: Lagos will get more corps members, if…

    The Lagos State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr Sunday Aroni, has urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to build a befitting permanent orientation camp on the land the state allocated for the scheme at Agbowa, Epe.

    He said doing so would increase the number of corps members deployed in the state.

    Aroni spoke at the opening of the three-week orientation course for 2,560 Batch “B” Stream I corps members at the Iyana Ipaja camp.

    He said: “Let me at this juncture express my sincere appreciation once again to the government of Lagos State for the allocation of 10 hectares of land at Agbowa Epe Local Government Area. It is our ardent belief that our amiable and youth friendly Governor will put all necessary measures in place for the construction of a very befitting permanent orientation camp in the Centre of Excellence. Lagos State will not only come out as one of the best camps but will guarantee the increased number of corps manpower to the state.”

    Read Also: NYSC to corps members: don’t present fake papers

    Of the 2,560 corps members registered before the ceremony, Aroni said there were 888 men and 1,732 women graduates mobilised to serve the state.

    They were led in the oath of allegiance by Justice Owolabi Afeez, who represented the Chief Judge of Lagos State.

    Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs Folasade Jaji, counseled the corps members to use the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme of the NYSC to gain skills that would make them employers of labour after the service year.

    “This novel idea was put in place to empower corps members with requisite skills in the course of their service to become employers of labour and not job seekers.

    “As you commence your national service year, I encourage you to always reflect on the successes the scheme has recorded in the sustenance of national unity, integration and economic development,” he said.

    He also admonished them to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations of the scheme.

    Though there was a downpour, which  cut short the ceremony, but it did not stop the NYSC dance troupe from performing.

     

  • El-Rufai promises tight security

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has assured National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed in the state of his commitment to their welfare and security.

    The scheme deployed 2,2002 Batch “B” (Stream I) corps members to the state and they are in camp for a 21-day orientation course.

    El-Rufai said the orientation course opened at the Sabon Gaya permanent orientation camp of the scheme.

    The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for Nigerian youths to attain their full potential in life.

    El-Rufai recently started the construction of a two-storey hostel for male corps members at the camp and promised to add another block for female corps members to address the accommodation challenge at the camp.

    Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Mrs. Nana Kande Bage, the governor said: “Let me reassure you that security of life and property of all citizens in our dear state remains the top priority of my administration.”

    Read Also: El-Rufai creates ministry for security, two new others

    The new NYSC State Coordinator, Mallam Isa Wana, reminded the corps members that the orientation course was regimented.

    He added that all the guidelines and bylaws governing the camp activities must be strictly followed.

    The coordinator, who expressed appreciation to the state government’s commitment to the development of infrastructure at the acpm, urged the governor to accelerate work on the camp’s pavilion, a structure used for major events at the camp.

    He said: “We appreciate the state government for the renewed efforts in addressing the infrastructural changes of the Black Gold camp, as exemplified by the ongoing construction work on the two-storey hostel block for male corps members.

    “In the same vein, I wish to draw the attention of the government to the state of work on the camp pavilion. Reconstruction and expansion of the old pavilion suffered a setback after a rain storm pulled down pillars erected to build the structure.

    “I wish to appeal to the state government to put in place remedial measures to complete the project in order to give the camp a venue that will be more conducive for our key functions and events.”

     

  • Masari to corps members: work for development

    Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari on Thursday urged newly sworn in National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed in the state to contribute their quota to the development of the state.

    He advised them to participate in community development service projects (CDSP) and augment the state’s manpower needs in the Education and Health sectors.

    The governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Hajia Halima Othman, spoke during the swearing in of this year’s Batch “B” Stream I corps members.

    He also urged them to live up to ensure the progress and development of the state and the nation in general.

    Read Also: Masari advises NYSC members on post-camp training

    Masari said: “It is my firm belief that the orientation programme will strongly equip you for this great task. The programme should stimulate and facilitate your analysis of the wholesome aspirations and socio-economic demands of a greater country.

    “In the course of this orientation, you will be introduced to various issues bordering on good governance, national security, culture, tradition and some paramilitary exercise. They are designed to adequately prepare your body and mind for effective participation in the ongoing effort towards accelerating national development.”

    The governor promised to provide the corps members an atmosphere that will be conducive for their camping as well as ensure adequate materials and financial support for a successful camping and service.

    According to him, Katsina State has always remained home away from home to all visitors.

    The State NYSC Coordinator Ahidjo Yahaya said the orientation course, besides proving mental and physical training, would prepare the corps members for their national service.

  • Umahi advises members on nation-building, unity

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed in Ebonyi State for the Batch “B” Stream I on Friday got a word of advice from Governor David Umahi to enable them reap maximum benefits from their service year.

    The governor advised them to uphold the unity and indivisibility of the country.

    Umahi spoke at the swearing-in ceremony of the corps members at the state’s permanent orientation camp on Old McGregor College in Afikpo North Local Government Area.

    Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kenneth Ugbala, the governor said the NYSC scheme was established 46 years ago to foster national unity and integration.

    He noted that the scheme is a unifying programme to bring together young Nigerians of varying cultural and socio-ethnic backgrounds to promote the integrity of the nation as one united, indivisible entity.

    Read Also: Breaking: Umahi sworn in for second term

    “Over the years, these objectives have been vigorously and successfully implemented. Corps members have contributed immensely to the development of our country.

    “Besides promoting national unity and integration, the NYSC scheme has also become a table tool for the implementation of critical national programmes,” Umahi said.

    The NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Ann Ngozika Ibe, urged the corps members to promote the unity of the country during and after the service year.

    She said: “I charge you to, therefore, promote the spirit of brotherliness, love, unity and integration in carrying out activities on camp. I equally encourage you to engage in meaningful and healthy acts of relationship, build friendships that will help us build bridges that will promote indivisibility and indissolubility of our dear nation Nigeria.”

    The corps members were sworn in by Justice Anselem Nwigwe.

     

  • NYSC to corps members: don’t present fake papers

    THE Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, has warned corps members against presenting fake documents during registration in camps.

    He said corps members caught presenting fake documents would be handed over to law enforcement agents for prosecution.

    Ibrahim gave the warning while monitoring the registration of prospective corps members deployed to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa State for this year’s Batch “B” Stream I service year.

    A statement by NYSC’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi, said the DG warned that the management of the scheme had measures in place to clamp down on perpetrators and prosecute them.

    Read Also: At 46, NYSC has stood the test of time, says Gowon

    Ibrahim advised corps members to be security conscious and embrace the skills acquisition programme of the scheme to become self-empowered and wealth creators.

    The NYSC chief admonished them to obey the scheme’s bye-laws and be of good conduct during and after their orientation course.

    He enjoined them to be patriotic to the ideals of NYSC scheme.

    “The DG, during the visits, monitored the distribution of kits to corps members and inspected corps members’ hostels, camp clinics, kitchen, sporting facilities, among others,” the statement said.

     

  • Buhari’s reliance on God gave him victory, says ex-NYSC DG

    Ex-director general of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Col Peter Obasa (retired) yesterday attributed President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory in the recently concluded election to his reliance on God and his belief in his mission.

    The retired army officer added that “no doubts, he has won God’s favour. He battled through the turbulent period of the early years of his presidency, a period during which most Nigerians wrote him off.”

    Col Obasa made a passionate appeal to President Buhari to pay his gratuity and pension, 35 years after he was compulsorily retired by the military.

    The 81-year old retired military spoke with reporters in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

    The former NYSC boss who served between 1979 and 1984, said that he had received no letter of dismissal from the Army to have informed nonpayment of his entitlement.

    “I made my appeal to Mr. President, in the name of Almighty God, in the names of all that are holy, in the names of all that are good, true, and are just, to give me justice of the type that will attract the approval of God”, he said.

    The octogenarian, who presented a book, titled, House of Exile, during the press conference, chronicled his experiences in 1984, his prison accounts, the nation’s democracy, and judiciary.

    “The Federal Republic of Nigeria official gazette, No 56 of November 6, 1986, under Ministry of Defence, Nigerian Army officers, voluntary/compulsory and dismissal page 1340 declares that I was compulsorily retired from the army. Under that condition, I should be entitled to my gratuity and pension. The Army has denied me both.

    “They claim that I was dismissed. If that was the case,  a letter to that effect would have been served on me, and the army would have withdrawn my officer’s sword, ceremonial dress, mess jacket and service suit. I received no letter, and am still in possession of the items mentioned above.

    “Like President Buhari, I am favoured by God. I fought through the tumultuous and terrifying period of my trial and more than seven years in incarceration, and I am here by the special grace of God to ask for true justice. The world wrote me off, some claiming that I would not exit the jail house. How wrong they are. God Almighty fights for the innocent”, he said.

    Retired Colonel Obasa described his trial by the Supreme Military Council (SMC), headed by General Muhammadu Buhari, as illegalities of 1984, saying that the SMC promulgated decrees that had retroactive effect.

    Said he:  “The laws were backdated by three years. This is immoral and illegal. The God of creation made laws which he handed over to Moses. Those laws became effective from the time they were read to the Israelites.

    “The SMC took over the roles of the executive, legislative and judiciary, the accuser, the prosecutor and the judge. This is illegal. The Nigerian Bar Association condemned this and prohibited its members from appearing before the tribunals to defend accused persons.

    “The process of trial was gravely flawed.  Trials were in secret. The public was denied access to the tribunals and it was only when judgements were passed that the world became informed of the verdict.

    “All statements from suspects were extracted under duress. This is illegal

    “Accused persons were compelled long before trial began to sign away the contents of their accounts under duress by the same characters who came to testify at the tribunal that the accused willingly signed away everything. This is illegal.

    “Falsified documents (as exhibits) were brought into the tribunal by the Special Investigation Panel. This too is illegal.

    “Accused people were incarcerated in solitary confinement, denied access to their family and prevented from reaching anything that would enhance their defence. This is illegal.

    “They made it impossible for accused persons to explain clearly how they came about what they had. Everything went under the label of “kickback”. This is illegal.

    “False witnesses were press-ganged to testify against accused persons. This is illegal.

    “From the beginning to the end in my case, the truth was undermined and justice was perverted. This too is illegal”.