The Nation Newspaper

Tag: National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)

  • Don’t be in a haste to leave Anambra – NYSC members urged

    Outgoing corps members in Anambra state have been urged not to be in a hurry to leave the state but to exploit all job opportunities available in the state.

    The state Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr Kehinde Aremu, gave the advice at Ojoto while issuing discharge Certificate of National Service (CNS) to the 92 Batch A outgoing members.

    Aremu who was represented by Mr Felix Okoli challenged the corps members to strive to settle down to establish their careers in the state.

    He said, “Don’t be in a haste to rush home. Anambra people are not harsh. Exploit job opportunities here. Develop some of the skills you acquired during your NYSC scheme as a starting point.

    “Avoid short cut to success. Be part of the positive people, who will make Nigeria proud. Some of you in serious relationships with Anambra people can marry and settle down here.”

    Also speaking, Head of Department, Education and Social Development, Idemili South, Dr Kingsley Ozodi asked the corps members to take advantage of the hospitable and business-friendliness of the residents to excel.

    “Look around and start up something; no matter how menial to help yourselves and your family.

    “You have seen that Anambra people are hospitable unlike notions you had before coming here. Those seeking job opportunities or if you have opportunity to marry from here, you are welcomed to do so,’’ Ozodi said.

    Read Also: NYSC to review, reform mobilisation process

    On her part, the NYSC Local Government Inspector, Idemili South, Mrs Augustina Obinero thanked the outgoing members for conducting themselves lawfully during their service year, wishing them the best in their future endevours.

    She said that none of the members had a case of service extension as punishment, stressing that two members won the NYSC State Award Recommendation letter for their secondary assignment.

    The two are Lynda Ugochinyere Kamalu AN/18A/2784 from Imo State and Chikezie Prince Enearo AN/18A/2778 from Enugu State.

    Miss Kamalu received the state award for assisting a blind NYSC member throughout her service year and holding sensitisation/health education programmes on Diabetes Mellitus in Churches, schools at Oba, Idemili South.

    Enearo got his state award for holding sensitisation seminars on stroke at various Churches, Health Centres and Council Headquarters.

     

  • NYSC to review, reform mobilisation process

    Major General Suleiman Kazaure, Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), on Thursday said that the scheme would review and reform its mobilisation process for improvement of the exercise.

    Kazaure made this known at the 2019 Batch A Pre-Mobilisation Workshop held in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

    The theme of the one-day workshop was, “Towards Eliminating Recurrent Issues Affecting The NYSC Mobilisation Process”.

    The NYSC boss explained that the workshop was  a platform for NYSC and other stakeholders to review issues in mobilisation with a view to addressing challenges and evolving strategies for improvement.

    “Over the years, we have tried to sustain cross fertilisation of ideas in order to achieve a full proof mobilisation thereby enhancing the credibility of the process,” he said.

    “The theme of the workshop captures the thrust of our deliberations here today. I, therefore, implore you to share your wealth of experience and expertise to enable us to remove all impediments to the mobilisation process and, especially, ensure a hitch-free 2019 Batch A exercise.

    “So, we are here to find solutions to problems encountered in the present and future mobilisations. That is the essence of the workshop and I am very sure we will find a way out,” he said.

    Read Also: NYSC member installs portable water for Katsina community

    Gov. Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, represented by his Deputy, Mr Silas Agara, commended the NYSC management for organising the workshop to find lasting solutions to problems hindering smooth mobilisation of Corps members.

    “Let me commend the NYSC management for the choice of Nasarawa State to host the session preparatory to staging of the 2019 Batch A mobilisation exercise,” he said.

    Mrs Nnenna Ukonu, NYSC Director, Corps Mobilisations, said that the scheme observed recurrence of unwholesome practices and common errors associated with the mobilisation process.

    “We intend to brainstorm with critical stakeholders and come up with lasting solutions to these issues that have hindered mobilisation process over the years as it concerns credible data collection and adherence to laid down policies.

    “I, therefore, wish to implore all participants to be frank and open in discussing these challenges and suggest ways of addressing them. I am optimistic that with your support, the scheme will surmount all obstacles at ensuring a hitch-free mobilisation process,” she said.

    Participants in the workshop include NYSC management team, Student Affairs Officers from Corps producing institutions,  representatives of National Universities Commission, National Board for Technical Education and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.

    NAN

     

  • Katsina corps members offer free medical treatment to villagers

    Some members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posted to the remote village of Daddara in Jibia Local Government Area, under the NYSC Medical CDS group on Tuesday offered free medical treatment for those that cannot assess medical facilities on their own.

    Speaking during the outreach, the leader of the group Dr. Anayo Kelvin Onyebuchi disclosed that most of the villagers were diagnosed of many ailments which were treated including eye test for those with bad eye sights.

    He further maintained that the State Ministry of Health assisted them with drugs worth #250,000 which was part of what was dispensed at the outreach. He said that 88 persons were diagnosed with problems in their eyes   and were treated.

    Others were referred for eye glasses while those who were diagnosed of other sicknesses were also treated.

    Speaking at the opening of the outreach, the Zonal Inspector Mall Bayero Sani who declared the exercise open on behalf of the State Coordinator Hajiya Ramatu Sanda thanked the people for creating the enabling environment for the Corps Members to operate. He called on the Batch B and C Corps Members to emulate the Batch A members and carry out more of similar outreach in the area.

    Read Also: Suspects remanded for attacking Corpers‘ lodge

    The Local Government NYSC Inspector Alhaji Abdulsalam kabir on his part disclosed that the Corps Members’ gesture was in line with the CDS programme of the NYSC, he enjoined the Communities to cooperate with the Corps Members serving in the area and encourage them to do more for them.

    The outreach according to Dr Kelvin will continue with other communities. A total number of 120 villagers with different types of illnesses were diagnosed and treated free of charge

  • ‘Corpers will not work as INEC adhoc staff in security challenged areas’

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says corps member deployed as INEC ad hoc staff  will not be allowed to work in security challenged areas in the country.

    Mrs Adenike Adeyemi, NYSC Director of  Press and Public Relations, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday,  ahead of the upcoming Governorship and House of Assembly polls slated for March 9.

    Adeyemi, who said that no corps member died during the Presidential and National Assembly Elections, which held on Feb. 23, assured that the safety and security of corps members remained a top priority for the scheme.

    She said that corps members would not be posted  to work as ad hoc staff for the March elections  in any state or area of the Federation that had  been adjudged as having security challenges.

    According to Adeyemi, the  NYSC do not allow corps members work in any security challenged area, whether it is for primary assignment or for elections and INEC  understands that.

    “Corps members are not allowed to work or live in such areas and this is understood by INEC. Once a place is adjudged and declared as having security challenges, corps members are not to serve there either for elections or primary assignments.

    “Their security is always considered by the scheme during posting.

    “We have seen reports in the media claiming that corps members died during the presidential and national assembly elections.

    “The NYSC Coordinator in Rivers already addressed this issue and set the records straight that no corps member serving as INEC ad hoc staff died during the Feb. 23 elections.

    “There were pockets of violence in the state but no corps member lost his or her life.

    “Before corps members are deployed as INEC ad hoc staff, there must be an MoU between the two organizations and as part of the MoU, INEC is to provide welfare and security for the corps members.

    Read Also: NYSC tasks corps members on credibility

    “Payment of renumeration is also fixed and disbursed by INEC. The commission has stated how much corps members are entitled to and they also agreed that their welfare, which includes transportation and feeding will be handled by them,” adeyemi said.

    She said that the responsibility of the scheme was to ensure that the commission carried out to the letter,  all agreements signed by it.

    Adeyemi also emphasized that corps members involvement as INEC ad hoc staff was not mandatory but optional for them hence no corps member could be forced to carry out the assignment.

    According to her, it is optional and no longer compulsory, we train and sensitize them and get them prepared for the assignment because it is a national assignment and INEC pays the approved Federal Government remuneration.

    Adeyemi said that the scheme was working closely with the commission to ensure that the logistic problems encountered during the postponed election of Feb. 16, did not occur in subsequent elections.

    The NYSC, however, urged corps members deployed as INEC ad hoc staff for the 2019 general elections to remain apolitical and ensure they adhered strictly to the Electoral Act.

    The scheme warned that any corps member who directly engaged in, aids or abets electoral malpractices would face prosecution by the appropriate authority.

    “While we commend the performance of corps members during the presidential and national assembly elections of February 23, we wish to stress that as electoral umpires, corps members are expected to remain apolitical.

    “Management wishes to warn that any corps member who directly engages in, aids or abets electoral malpractices will face prosecution by the appropriate authorities.

    “As the governorship and house of assembly elections approach, management expects corps members to once again demonstrate a high sense of responsibility and neutrality.

    “This call has become necessary as the entire nation looks up to them for the credibility of the elections. They are therefore, expected to uphold the trust and resist any temptation to compromise the integrity of the exercise.

    “In particular, all corps members must resist attempts by politicians, their agents, or other individuals or groups to corruptly induce them to commit any form of electoral fraud. We expect them to be good ambassadors of NYSC and their respective families,” Adeyemi  said.

    Adeyemi assured that the scheme was committed and working with relevant stakeholders to effectively address the security and welfare needs of corps members during and after the elections.

    NAN

     

  • Our deferred poll story, by adhoc workers

    For National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, participating in election as adhoc staff can be fun. Besides the stipend that comes with the job, the experience is unforgettable. But it was a different ball game for those deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for last Saturday’s postponed elections in parts of Lagos State. They share their experience with ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA, JANE CHIJIOKE, LAWAL ENIOLA and DAMILOLA SEBIOTIMO.

    THEY were set for the job at hand. By Friday, many of them had reached their station where they would serve as adhoc staff in last Saturday’s Presidential and National Assembly elections. But suddenly the elections were postponed till this Saturday.

    Before the postponement, many of the Corps members and students depolyed as adhoc staff by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had become disenchanted because thy had not been paid their allowances.

    The postponement compounded their woes. They had left their homes for their assigned local government areas (LGAs) or Registration Area Centres (RACs), before the polls were shiffted, it was sweet relief to many of them.

    They bemoaned what they called the unbearable treatment by the electoral umpire and blamed the National Youth Service Corps (INEC) for allegedly failing to   plan for their safety.

    It was learnt some Corps members may soon begin a social media movement to warn the government against treating them as  “slaves”.

    The Corps members are agitated over the disparity in their training allowances.

    Ad-hoc staff in Lagos were to be paid N4,500 for the three-day training while, more or less was to be paid in other states. But, many are yet to collect the stipend, which they planned to receive last Saturday before the polls were postponed. Their election stipend is still a subject of controversy and many of them do not know how much it would be.

     

    NANS blasts INEC

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is leading the campaign for  better treatment of the adhoc staff.

    It said INEC’s inability to conduct elections, despite allocation of huge resources to it by government, showed its incompetence to handle a national assignment.

    “Without equivocation, NANS calls on the INEC chairman to immediately resign and save Nigeria an impending electoral doom,” the body said in a statement made available to CAMPUSLIFE by its National President, Danielson Bamidele Akpan on Monday.

    The statement continued: “Painfully, despite the release of N234billion to INEC since October 2018 to commence preparations and Nigerians granting all moral support required for smooth operation, one wonders what logistics issues could have suddenly necessitated the postponement just five hours to the commencement of presidential and national assembly elections.

    “From all available information, it is a fact known by all Nigerians, that INEC is incapable of delivering a near-perfect electoral process. Is it not alarming that even ad-hoc staff employed by INEC slept on bare floors, open spaces and school fields without sanitation and protection? Why should they be left vulnerable few hours to an important election? The peace of our nation is dependent on the peaceful, seamless and credible conduct of 2019 general elections by INEC.

    “We urge Nigerians, especially students of voting age, to remain committed and patriotic to this civic obligation of enthroning popular choices to represent them across board.”

     

    Ad-hoc staff relive experience

    A Corps member, who identified himself as ‘Franklin, described his experience as terrible.

    He said: “Earlier that Friday, I was deployed to our registration area centre (RAC) in Ejigbo. While on my way, we were called back to assemble at our local government – Oshodi Local Government. On getting there, we were told to, again, proceed to RAC. I felt so bad with this back and forth movement. I eventually arrived at my RAC at  midnight. I didn’t even see any security in place. No INEC staff to attend to us. The school had no light. We slept on the floor, and were exposed to mosquitoes. Some of us had prepared well for the exercise. Some bought enough food to sustain them all through the election. With the postponement, all that became waste of money and efforts.

    “Some of my colleagues who had cars were able to take themselves back home. I left around 5am, walked a long distance before I got a bus to convey me back to my destination.”

    An ex-Corps member Daniel Saiki said: “On Friday,” he said, “we all assembled here (Oshodi Local Government Area). That was the day our names were pasted, but we were told not go to our RAC until we received instructions from our supervising presiding officer (SPO). The place was more like a refugee camp. We stayed here all through the night in the open field, no bed and we were exposed to dew, and mosquitoes. Some just placed their heads on cars parked in the compound. It was a terrible night to recall. Some of us slept on the field, with no food to eat.  It was around 3am that we heard the election had been postponed. This is unfair to us. We need compensation.The government is not helping us at all.”

    For Juliet Adibe, who was deployed in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, her resolve to serve her fatherland remains unshaking despite challenges INEC foisted on her and her contemporaries.

    “For me, I have always tried to be open-minded at all times and that was how I took the election.  However, it was a sad experience. Notwithstanding, I have taken it upon myself to do this job.

    “I am not weighed down at all. I will participate in it on Saturday. Before the postponement, it was mandatory for corps members to participate; but after that, we were told that we can pull out if we do not want to participate anymore.”

    Another corps member who simply identified herself as Susan said: “I cannot pull out (from INEC) now because I have to finish what I have started,” said Susan deployed to Ojo Local Government.

    “I have suffered for it. I went through the training. Friday was the climax of the sufferings. All of us were here (Ojo Local Government) till the next morning.  (We) slept on the field with no bed at all just because of election.”

    Another Corps member from Mushin Local Government, Ibaro Taiwo Paul, said the welfare package was poor compared with what was given them during the previous election four years ago.

    “The welfare was not fair at all,’’ Ibaro lamented.

    “My experience (during the elections) in 2015 was better in terms of welfare. We were paid N9,500 each and I don’t know why it was reduced to N4,500 this year, despite the huge budget INEC got from the government. I can only pray everything gets better during the election by weekend.”

    Muyiwa Daniel, another Corp member, corroborated Ibaro.

    He said: ‘’The welfare was poor. They did not give us food until between 1 and 2 am, and despite that, it could not go round. Materials like ballot paper were not released as at 3am. Other sensitive materials were not enough.”

    He continued: ‘’Card readers and ballot papers for the National Assembly elections were available on that day but ballot paper for presidential elections were not supplied. So, it was at the point of distributing the ones available that the Electoral Officer (EO) received the call and asked us to offload all the loaded buses. He then arranged the materials back in their office. It was a rancorous environment as many people were there to know their fate; that is, if they would work on that day or not.’’

    Sunny Odozie, an ex-Corps member who chose not to identify his deployment post, said:  “As instructed, we arrived at RAC at exactly 2pm on Friday, expecting to see INEC officials who were to brief us on our roles for the day. While there, rumours started flying that we might pass the night there. As sheep without shepherd, we waited till around 2.55am when news came that the election had been postponed. We were without food, drink or accommodation. Most people slept on chairs, students’ benches and on bare floor. Thanks to the management of the school that provided about five electric bulbs to light the field. Till 5am that we left the place, there was no official to brief us. Most of us were poorly prepared as we thought we would be allowed to go home and prepare since they asked us to report by 2pm.’’

    Miss Ann Chinoso, from Surulere Local Government, said: “We were at Surulere Local Government awaiting the materials. We waited all night not until around 3pm when we read on the social media that the election had been postponed. There was no INEC official to address or pass any information to us. We were just there –  no security, nobody gave anything to us, not even sachet water. There was a DJ, who was just there playing music. Everything was disorganised.”

    For Esther Oyedele, who was deployed in Agege Local Government, nothing was different.

    She said: ‘’Prior to the postponement of the general elections, we received a message from INEC to report at our RAC by 2pm. On getting to the place, there was no INEC official, or security. We had to wait until midnight. About 11.30, we heard from our SPO that they’d not received materials and that INEC officials were holding a crucial meeting. At this point, we went online to listen to news. About 3am, INEC chairman announced the postponement. We wanted more information from INEC but none came. About 4.30am, some people started to remove the bulbs. We challenged them and they told us they were acting on instruction from their boss. At that point, we realised we needed to move out of the place fast.”

    Oyebamiji Kehinde deployed in Ikorodu Local Government recounted how it had been smooth for her until Friday.

    ‘’The training was okay,” Oyebamiji began. “INEC tutors were awesome and I was able to grab everything. On Friday, however, I received a call around 12:00 pm from my SPO. He told me to be at the RAC before 2pm. When I got there, I met two Corps members and I noticed that preparations were still ongoing (for Corps members).

    “We had to wait for hours for any INEC official to address us but nobody showed up. No arrangement was made. We slept on the bare floor. There was no electricity. Even the generator was malfunctioning. Each Corps members took care of his/her own welfare.”

    Eniola Adebowale, who was deployed in Ikeja Local Government, was lucky to have come with his car which he eventually converted to a makeshift accommodation.

    “I actually made the night a fun but felt bad seeing my fellow Corps members being downgraded,” Adebowale bemoaned.

    “I slept in my car. I actually went through no stress before INEC selected us. I would still be participating because it’s actually my first time,” he added.

    “It was horrible, really horrible,” lamented Mike Olarinmoye, another ex-Corps member deployed in Kosofe Local Government.

    He continued: “We were asked to report to our RAC by 4pm. They did not provide anything whatsoever with regards to welfare except a place to charge phones. No food, no drinkable water, no mattress, no mosquito net, no security operatives. We were not even given an enclosed place to sleep. A lot of us slept on primary school chairs and tables, some slept on bare floor, and outside the classrooms. The most painful part was that for the over 12 hours, we were there, no official of INEC or NYSC came to address us; not even after the postponement of the elections. We were treated like animals.”

    For Durojaiye Hammed Olawale, the Saturday experience was simply a pointer that Nigeria has no plans for her youths.

    “Saturday night was the day I realised the Federal Government has no provision for the citizens,” said Durojaiye, who was deployed to Alimosho Local Government.

    He continued: “I find it very difficult to remember the last time I slept on a bare floor with a carton, all in the name of serving my father’s land. The apartment provided for us is a memory I will never forget. Even if refugees were given this apartment, they will reject it.

    Durojaiye added: ”Why should we be given N4,500 as training allowance? The selection  shows that corruption will never stop in Nigeria. People who attended the three-day training were not given the job. Those who got the job were those who tipped the coordinators before they added their names. If we should judge with what happened on Friday, no human being in his right senses will participate in the (next Saturday) election. However, if we can’t fight for our nation, who will?’’

  • NYSC: As a patriot assumes duty

    In every country, soldiers offer invaluable service to the growth and development of any nation.  Aside their traditional role of securing the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against external aggressors, the Army has a rich reservoir of personnel who service the country beyond the trenches and in multiple national responsibilities.
    Just yesterday, the Nigerian Army again offered one of her  best brains in soldiering, academics and administration, Brig. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim to serve as the new Director- General (DG) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). He took over from Maj. Gen. Suleiman Kazaure as the 18th Director General of NYSC.
    Ibrahim,  a doctorate degree holder, until his  recommendation by the Nigerian Army leadership and subsequent appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari to head the NYSC,  was the pioneer Registrar of the Nigerian Army University, Biu, Borno State. Versatile in warfare, academics and administration , Brig. Gen. Ibrahim  is one refined Nigerian patriot groomed by the Nigerian Army, like his predecessors, who  is now saddled with the responsibility of repositioning  the NYSC  in the #NextLevel.
    The Nigerian Army, especially under the leadership of the COAS, Lt.Gen. TY Buratai has rendered itself as an institution for providing focused and result-oriented leadership. The Army’s  administration of the NYSC in the past three years has marketed it  as one of the best federal agencies in the country.
    It has functioned smoothly and despite the increased numbers of young Nigerian graduates who pass through the mandatory service year, there is hardly any hitch in running the programme. Army officers who take up such responsibilities in the past have justified their training and learning in the military.
    Gen. Ibrahim has taken over the gauntlet as head of the NYSC. His appointment has attracted much applause because he had previously served as Military Assistant to the Director General of NYSC from 1996-1999. Analysts say, he is honed for the job, as there is every assurance that his prior knowledge of the inner workings of the NYSC and coupled with his wealth of experience, the NYSC is bound to experience some uncommon innovations and reforms to even perform better. Ibrahim parades a rich profile.
    A graduate of University of Jos, Gen. Ibrahim attended Nigerian Army Education Corps (NAEC) Young Officers’ Course 1994, Infantry (INF) Young Officers Course 1996, Training Development Advisers Course (TDA) 2004 and NAEC Officers’ Executive Management Course 5/2013. He obtained a Doctorate Degree (Ph.d) in History from the University of Abuja in 2007.
    He has held several command and administrative positions in the Nigerian Army, among which includes, Research Officer, Institute of Army Education (IAE); National Defence College (NDC) 2004 – 2009; Senior Instructor, Nigerian Army School of Education 2009 – 2011; Staff Officer I Books Resources Procurement, Headquarters, Nigerian Army Education Corps 2011 – 2012; Commandant, Command Secondary School Suleja 2012-2014 and Head of Department, History and War Studies, Nigerian Defence Academy, 2014-2018.
    He is a treasure,  the Nigerian Army has again offered to the service of the nation as boss of the NYSC. Many of the over 500 federal agencies and parastaltals are dysfunctional or performing below standards. But the destiny of the NYSC is different.
    All Nigerian Army personnel appointed to oversee the affairs of the scheme in this dispensation have proven to be uncommon soldiers and administrators. They have not only sustained the NYSC, but ensured the scheme fulfils its core mandate as defined by the spirit which prompted its evolution decades back.  The excellence exhibited by the NYSC today stems from the Nigerian Army’s spirit of patriotism, loyalty and strict leadership discipline.
    These are the core values Gen. Buratai exemplifies and has inculcated in every soldier, who exhibits it everywhere he is assigned national responsibility.  General Buratai has trained his soldiers to be committed to hard work, professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duties. The appointment of Gen. Ibrahim  as NYSC DG is  also bound to result in resounding success.
    Gen. Ibrahim  has a deep passion for academics, with a bias in military history  and economy. He has authored countless publications and chapters in reputable academic journals. His worth as a professional soldier is evident with the number of Service medals, awards and recognitions he has earned. These includes; Forces Service Star (FSS), Meritorious Service Star (MSS) and Distinguished Service Star (DSS) among others.  He has also bagged the Chief of Army Staff Award as the Overall Best Participant for 2013 NAEC Executive Management Course; a Special recognition Award from Nigerian Institute for Public Relation (NIPR) 2014 and an Award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Public Services/Fellowship (FCAI) by Institute of Corporate Administration.
    And only last year, Gen. Ibrahim received the COAS’s Commendation Letter 2018. He is also a member of several professional bodies such as Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN) and, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (MTRCN) etc
    Ibrahim’s stepping on the podium as the new NYSC helmsman is one of the best things to have happened to the scheme in recent times. Critics are bound to make some unpleasant noise about his appointment; but what remains undoubtable is that he is the best man for the job. Enemies of Nigeria, who twist everything to lubricate primordial sentiments would hail him in the long run.
    And those sufficiently acquainted with President Buhari’s leadership style would know that Mr. President has a penchant for always appointing the best. And  Gen.  Ibrahim’s choice as head of the NYSC  also bows to the famed tradition of competence and excellence associated with the Buhari Presidency. Gen Ibrahim owns his primary constituency, the Nigerian Army,  a big responsibility not to fail his country on this new assignment, but excel as his has always done in previous assignments.
    He must focus on proving critics and skeptics wrong through disarming performance, bearing in mind that his failure would be symbolic of the failure of the Nigerian Army. This will be in dissonance with the new culture and leadership of the Army  under Gen. Buratai.  To this end, Gen. Ibrahim must necessarily, enthrone the spirit of comradeship, sportsmanship and loyalty to  his country as exemplified in the creed of the Army at all times and ensure he impacts it into young generation of Nigerian leaders he has a responsibility to groom in the NYSC.

     

  • ‘We expect improved safety, welfare for corps members by INEC’

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to keep to its pledge of ensuring the safety and welfare of all corps members deployed as ad hoc staff for the general elections.

    Mrs Adenike Adeyemi, the NYSC Director, Press and Public Relations, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, said the commission had assured the scheme that adequate arrangements had been made for transportation, accommodation and security for corps members deployed for the exercise.

    Adeyemi, however, said that the unpleasant occurrences experienced by corps members on the eve of February 16 were against the MoU signed by both organisations.

    “The attention of NYSC management has been drawn to uninspiring pictures and tales of woes experienced by many corps members assigned to INEC duties in several states across the country on the eve of the postponed general elections.

    “These have been confirmed as authentic situation reports and have since been brought to the attention of the INEC management.

    “While these incidents have been adduced to the logistic challenges which INEC experienced, the NYSC wishes to note that the unpleasant occurrences are totally at variance with the spirit of our MoU with INEC.

    “We are therefore, currently engaged in discussion with INEC management towards ensuring that these and all other sundry issues bordering on the welfare and security of corps members are quickly addressed and redressed before the rescheduled elections.

    Read Also: INEC okays resumption of campaigns

    “It will be recalled that in the build up to the participation of corps members as ad-hoc electoral staff, the Director-General of the NYSC, Maj.-Gen. Suleiman Kazaure led other members of management on nationwide tour to meet with INEC state officials, heads of security agencies, community and opinion leaders to obtain assurances on the welfare and security of corps members before, during and after the elections.

    “In these meetings, NYSC received full assurances on adequate arrangement for transport, accommodation and security, especially at the Registration Area Centres (RACs) throughout the period.

    “We therefore expect improved safety and welfare provisions by INEC in the rescheduled elections,” the statement read in part.

    She reassured the corps members and the public that the safety, welfare and remuneration for corps members would be provided by INEC as earlier agreed by both organisations.

    Adeyemi said that in furtherance to this, INEC has assured the management of the scheme that it has commenced payment of training and feeding allowances to corps members nationwide as well as election duty allowance.

    She also assured parents, individuals, groups and other stakeholders that the scheme’s commitment to the welfare of corps members remained unwavering.

     

    NAN

  • 2019: INEC employs 16,500 ad-hoc staff in Osun

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State said it had trained and employed 16,695 ad-hoc staff, in the state, for the forthcoming general elections.

    Mr Olusegun Agbaje, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state made this disclosure during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Osogbo on Thursday.

    Agbaje said the ad-hoc staffs were sourced from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Federal tertiary institutions and Federal Government establishments in the state.

    “Ten thousand, five hundred and ninety four corps members; 3,360 students of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, 1,295 students of Federal Polytechnic, Ede and 1,446 federal civil servants will be engaged for  February and March elections.

    Read Also: PDP alleges INEC plans to rig

    ” The ad-hoc staff employed would serve as Presiding Officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs) during the elections,” he said.

    Abgaje said that the training of the ad-hoc staff had been concluded, adding that the commission followed electoral laws and guild lines in selecting credible and dependable officers for the elections.

    He said that apart from the ad-hoc staff, 332 Supervisory Presiding Officers, 363 Collation Officers and 38 Returning Officers had also been trained for the election.

    He, however, called on the electorate who registered for the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) but yet to collect them, to ensure they do so before the deadline for collection.

    NAN

  • INEC to deploy NYSC staff in 34 LGAs in Katsina

    The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Saturday in Katsina state dismissed fears that it will not be posting NYSC staff or conduct elections in the local Government areas affected by the recent upsurge in security challenges saying it had already conducted a workshop for senior security operatives in the state and training for about corps members selected for the exercise and therefore ready to deploy them in the 34 local government areas of the state

    The INEC training officer in Katsina State, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Hammed told the Nation in an exclusive interview at the training session being held at Kofa Sauri Primary School for about 1650 corps members, that a total of 7000 corp members were to be trained as electoral supervisors and are to undergo 3 day training in the state preparatory to the conduct of the general elections in the state

    He said “I am not aware about any plan not to conduct election in any part of the state or that the agency is not deploying the corps members and security operatives in any local government areas for now we are training the supervisors the training of Presiding officers who are mostly lecturers and academic will come up November 6th’’

    “There is a noticeable improvement in the level of security in the state and so INEC is certainly preparing to conduct elections in every part of the state, if the present momentum is maintained’’

    In a related development, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has been commended by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), for its unflinching support to INEC, especially during election duties, and the continued cordial working relationship between the two agencies

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Katsina State, Alhaji Jibrin Ibrahim Zarewa who gave the above commendation recently in Katsina while addressing the officials of the scheme during INEC training exercise, stressed that without the support of the officials of the NYSC, it would be very cumbersome for them to control the Corps Members.

    The INEC boss further assured that the security of corps members will remain paramount and compulsory in their plans for the election process.

    Meanwhile the State Coordinator NYSC Katsina State Hajiya Ramatu Sanda has charged corps members to maintain and uphold the integrity which the National Youth Service Corps NYSC has established over the years by doing the right thing during the fourth coming general elections.

    Hajiya Sanda made the call while addressing the corps members on election matters told the corps members to be extremely careful and be self-disciplined during INEC duties.

  • NYSC tasks corps members on credibility

    Mr Dahunsi Muhammad, the Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Zamfara, has charged corps members serving in the state to ensure credibility during the upcoming general elections.

    Muhammad gave the charge in Tsafe on Thursday while speaking at the training of corps members on elections organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    He said that the NYSC was highly committed toward ensuring free, fair and credible elections in the country.

    “Therefore, we should work up to expectations, we must prove the confidence reposed in us by Nigerians,” he said.

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    He emphasized the need for corps members to be apolitical and protected the integrity of the NYSC during the conduct of the elections.

    “You should consider your participation in the election as carrying out a national assignment; therefore you should work in line with the code of conduct guiding the polls,” he added.

    He said punitive measures would be meted out on any corps member who contravened any of the Electoral Acts.

    “You should take this training seriously and put your best to replicate our previous records in the 2011 and 2015 general elections,” he said.