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Tag: NYSC

  • NYSC, Anambra to set up agribusiness

    The National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) is partnering the Anambra State Government to establish agribusiness ventures.

    Its Coordinator, Mr. Kehinde Aremu, in an interview in Awka, the state capital, said the agribusiness venture would start with poultry before expanding to aquaculture and other aspects, such as livestock and crop production.

    “The NYSC agribusiness venture will begin with poultry because Anambra State is already doing well with the establishment of the largest poultry project in Africa, realising that market for poultry products is large.

    “There is huge demand for protein and eggs; so, venturing into this sector will even boost the home-grown school feeding programme of the Federal Government.’’

    The coordinator said interested NYSC members and youths who enrolled into the programme would gain practical experiences in animal husbandry as they would be adequately trained on ways to make agriculture a profitable business.

    He explained that those to benefit would also easily access loans to finance their ventures as NYSC had a financing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bank of Industry, Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) and Bank of Agriculture (BoA) on zero per cent interest rate.

    Aremu, who said he participated in many agro workshops within and outside the country, noted that his office was waiting for action by the technical committee set up by the state Ministry of Agriculture for the take-off on the venture.

    He said: “We are waiting for a more visible action from the Anambra State government to enable the agribusiness venture to fully take-off.

    “Everything needed to drive the venture had been put in place, realising that one of the best ways to take youths out of the streets is to introduce them to agriculture as both wealth and job creation windows.’’

    He noted that what before now had discouraged Nigerians from embarking on agriculture was convincing them to do it with machete and hoe after they had gone to school.

    Aremu said studies had shown that in other countries, agriculture ran the economy and prospered the people, adding that such practice could be replicated in the country.

    According to him, agriculture is one of the cardinal activities of the NYSC as the corps had farm settlements in Kwali (FCT), Ezillo (Ebonyi), and Bauchi.

    “In Anambra we are looking in that direction because the state has agriculture as a cardinal policy and NYSC wants to introduce the youths and corps members to agriculture in a symbiotic way.’’

    Aremu observed that because land was a challenge for large-scale farming in the state most of the youths went into trading.

    He,  however, added that if the youth were trained on modern agriculture, which did not require large expanse of land, they could make more prospects.

    “Under the skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED), I was in China alongside other Africans in 2017, where we studied how China feeds its large population in spite of inclement weather and other natural factors.

    “The take home is that you don’t need much land to make it in agriculture this time, and your collar doesn’t necessarily have to be black; all you need is good knowledge of the science of farming,’’ he said.

  • Buhari pledges to assist visually-impaired Corps Member

    President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to fund the cost of medical treatment of a 28 year old serving member of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Okenala Ahmed who is visually-impaired.

    Ahmed, a graduate of Insurance from the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State, is undergoing his service year in Daura, Katsina State.

    According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Ahmed was among the Corps members who paid Sallah homage to President Buhari on Tuesday in Daura, as part of activities to mark the Eid-El-Kabir celebrations.

    He said “In the course of the President’s interaction with the Corps members, the Corps Liaison Officer (CLO), Jibrin Ishak, had appealed for assistance for their physically challenged member.

    Read Also: Buhari fit to contest in 2019, says Presidency

    “According to the CLO, the indigent Corps member, who is from Offa, Kwara State, had earlier contemplated redeployment from Katsina State due to his health condition.

    “President Buhari will undertake the cost of medical care and treatment of Ahmed, who is an Economics NYSC teacher at Government Day Senior Secondary School, Daura.” it s

  • NYSC D-G warns against illegal journeys

    National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Sulaiman Kazaure, has warned corps members against embarking on unauthorised journeys that could put their lives in danger.

    Kazaure said it is an offence for any corps member to travel out of camp or places of primary assignment without permission.

    The NYSC DG spoke at the Ekiti State Permanent Orientation Camp, Ise/Emure in Ise/Orun Local Government Area, when he visited to educate corps members on the dangers of treating their health and security with levity.

    According to him, the rule of the agency was being ignored in a manner that suggested that authorities had abdicated their roles of looking after the wellbeing and welfare of the corps members.

    “You all have to avoid night journeys and other unnecessary journeys for that matter.

    “Remember that before you embark on any journey, the need arises that you first inform your immediate supervisors and obtain necessary permit.

    “A graduate is expected by the society to be above board. I therefore want you to please join hands with me to ensure that the tragic incident in Taraba is the very last of such,” he said.

    Kazaure regretted the death of nine corps members in Taraba last week, describing it as huge loss to him, and the nation in general.

    The DG, who disclosed that he underwent the mandatory one-year national service over 30 years ago, with graduates as children said he was saddened by incident.

    Kazaure called for a minute of silence to honour corps members who lost their lives.

    He advised the corps members to respect the culture and tradition of their host communities.

    He advised a section of Nigerians accusing the NYSC of negligence to know that the standing rules banning youth corps members from unauthorised journeys are more implementable when they are in orientation camp, than when serving in places of primary assignment where they are treated as independent adults.

    Kazaure said any corps member  was free to call his phone number, 07042542779, in case of any emergency they felt their immediate supervisors could not handle.

    He warned them, particularly the females, to avoid dressing irresponsibly and keep away from sharp practices, such as engaging in Internet fraud.

    In her welcome address, the new NYSC State Director, Mrs. Aniefiok Okpongete, told the DG that a total of 1,809 corps members (1,109 males and 700 females) were currently registered in the state.

    However, she said 187 among them (149 females and 38 males) had been advised to leave camp on account of being pregnant, nursing mothers or facing critical health challenges.

  • Umahi gives NYSC N400m

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has given N400 million to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the renovation of its Orientation Camp in Afikpko North Local Government Area.

    This is separate from the N5,000 travel allowance given to each of the 2,200 Batch B Stream I Corps Members who ended their orientation course yesterday.

    The governor made the donation also gave the corps members who took part in the parade another N2 million and various cash sums to NYSC officials and military officers who trained the corps members.

    Umahi urged the corps member not to allow themselves be used by politicians to thwart the country’s democracy.

    He said: “I am sure you were motivated and sensitised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on your participation in the 2019 elections.

    “Your participation in that important assignment is a rare opportunity for you to contribute your quota towards enthroning credible leadership, good governance and engender peaceful and prosperous country.

    “I, therefore, urge you to discharge the INEC assignment with utmost sense of responsibility and good conscience by not allowing yourselves be manipulated by desperate and unscrupulous politicians.

    “Do not give in to their antics, desperation and lure of cash or kind, especially when you have to consider that posterity will judge you for the role you will play, either positively or negatively, during the elections.”

    The governor said the N400 million will be used to rebuild the road leading to the camp, renovate dilapidated structures, dredge a drainage, regrass the camp’s parade ground, connect the camp to the national grid, provide solar street lights etc.

    State NYSC Coordinator Ann Ngozika Ibe said the corps members were posted to all the local government areas except Ishielu.

    “This decision is an aftermath of the 2008 Ezillk/Ezza-Ezillo communal crisis. We remain open-minded to post corps members to Ishielu council as soon as we receive government approval and clearance from relevant security agencies via the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters, Abuja, to do so,” she said.

  • NYSC to expose corps members to safety training

    The next set of corps members to be posted to Lagos State will undergo safety training in camp, the state Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Prince Mohammed Momoh, has said.

    He told The Nation yesterday at the closing of the orientation programme for Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members that emergency responders would be invited to the orientation camp in Iyana Ipaja to teach corps members what to do in emergencies.

    This followed the death of nine corps members while swimming in River Mayo-Selbe in Gashaka Local Government of Taraba State last week.

    Momoh said: “Specifically in Lagos, we want to deepen this (safety).  Fortunately, the chairman of Governing Board of NYSC in Lagos State, who is the commissioner for Special Duties, is in charge of emergency and safety responders in the state. We are already talking to create an avenue for the emergency responders to come to camp during the next orientation, to sensitise corps members, give them safety tips and emergency numbers they can call and what to do when they are under threat or their safety is threatened.”

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, represented by Mr. Oluseye Oladejo, the commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-governmental Relations, urged employers to improve welfare packages for corps members.

    Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano yesterday urged corps members to carry out their responsibilities with patriotism and team work.

    He advised them to bring to bear

    their intellect, energy and resourcefulness towards the development of the state in course of their service.

    Obiano spoke through the Commissioner for Youth Empowerment and Creative Economy, Mr. Bonaventure Enemali, during the closing of the orientation camp of 2018 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1

    at camp site, Umunya in Oyi Council Area.

    He assured the corps members of residents’ hospitality and advised them to reciprocate by putting in their best during the service year.

    NYSC members have been urged to remain apolitical and avoid situations that may compromise their integrity, as they get ready to function as electoral officers during 2019 general election.

    Niger State Coordinator Mrs. Theresa Ibukun Arokoyo

    spoke yesterday at the closing of the 2018 Batch ‘B’ orientation camp.

    She said the nation believed in NYSC’s ability to ensure credible election.

    Governor Abubakar Sani Bello said the government had confidence in the scheme’s abilities to play key roles “in our quest to put the country on the path of progress.”

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike yesterday pledged to pay attention to the welfare of youths serving the mandatory one year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    The governor, who promised a conducive and secure environment for corps members, urged them to see the experience they had gained at the orientation camp as a spring ball to their dreamed success.

    He spoke at the closing of the 2018 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 orientation camp at Nonwa-Gbam in Tai Local Government of Rivers State.

    Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Kenneth Kobani, Wike urged the youth to see their posting letters as windows of opportunities.

    NYSC state Coordinator Mr. Chinwendu Chukwu, who described the camp activity as successful, said it added to their skills.

  • Amosun tasks NYSC members on selfless service

    Gov.  Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun  has urged corps members who just completed their three-week orientation programme  to contribute their quota to national development through selfless service.

    Amosun made the call on Monday at the close of the orientation course for the 2018 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 Corps members held at the NYSC Permanent Camp in  Sagamu.

    Mr Afolabi Afuape, Ogun Commissioner for Youths and Sports, who delivered the governor’s address, said  corps members  must be good ambassadors who should project the country’s image positively.

    Amosun commended them for their perseverance throughout the period of their training.

    He also reminded them of the aims and objective of the NYSC scheme, which he said include  to foster and promote unity in diversity.

    “As responsible citizens of this country, I urge you to play your roles as agents of positive change very well in your places of primary assignment.

    “Be rest assured that the people of Ogun State are very hospitable and caring.

    “You must identify with the people of your host community, soar their hopes and aspirations and your entire service year will surely be worthwhile and memorable,” Amosun said.

    He reiterated the assurance of continual improvement in creating conducive atmosphere for the corps members in the course of their service.

    “Let me assure you that Ogun State has provided the required security and enabling environment for you to have a peaceful and rewarding service year.

    “We will continue to evolve strategies and partnership  with organisations for the socio-economic development of our state as expressed in our five-cardinal programme  to rebuild Ogun,” he said.

    Amosun challenged the corps members to be the best they could be,  saying that those who distinguished themselves would be adequately rewarded by the state government.

    Meanwhile, Mrs Josephine Bakare, the Ogun NYSC State Coordinator, has urged employers of labour to engage the corps members positively, especially in their professional areas of discipline.

    She said a total of 2, 411 corps members registered for and completed the orientation exercise which began on July 24.

    The State Coordinator,  however,  added that a total of 387 corps members were redeployed to other states on marital and health grounds.

    “These ones have shown a very high level of commitment to all aspects  of the orientation course and I have no doubt they will not fail in the pursuit of the NYSC’s objectives.

    “The NYSC shall continue to ensure that the abundant God given talent in these vibrant youths are rightly channelled for the benefit of the state.

    “To the corps members, I expect you to take your postings in good faith and brace up for the challenges of nation building.

    “I implore you to steer  clear of all forms of anti-social behaviour and relate cordially with the people of your host communities,” she said.

  • Cross River increases NYSC members’ allowance

    Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River has increased the monthly allowance of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state from N3,100 to N5,000.

    Ayade made the announcement on Monday at the closing ceremony for the 2018 `Batch B’ Orientation Course at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Obubra Local Government Area of the state.

    The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Asu Okang, said that the upward review became necessary following the high cost of goods and services in the country.

    According to him, the increase will spur corps members in the state to give in their best in service and community development.

    “Dear corps members, I must salute you for the successful completion of your three weeks orientation programme which I believe was interesting.

    “I am happy to announce to all of you that we have increased your monthly allowance from N3,100 to N5,000 starting from your batch,’’ he said.

    He described corps members as trustees of the nation, noting that their valid contributions in all sectors of the economy cannot be underestimated.

    “Since the creation of Cross River, the largest contributor to the socio-economic development of the state is the NYSC.

    “This is evident in the kind of Community Development Services provided by members of the corps across the state.

    “While we continue to appreciate your predecessors for making historical landmark in the state, I charge you to outshine their legacies by going the extra mile towards supporting the dream of a new Cross River.

    “We are also confident that as the cloud of the next general elections begin to gather, your neutrality will help in giving the guarantee for free, fair and credible elections,’’ he said.

    Ayade assured the corps members of adequate security in the state, urging them to live in harmony with their employers and host communities.

    The NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Ambekemo Eniola, in her address, urged the corps members to accept their posting across the state in good faith.

    Eniola charged them to protect the image of the scheme wherever they may find themselves.

    She lauded the camp commandant and all relevant security agencies for maintaining peace and order during the period of the orientation.

  • NYSC honours corps members for exemplary conduct in Adamawa

    The State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC ) in Adamawa, Malam Abubakar Mohammed, said on Monday that no fewer than eight 2018 Batch “B” corps members posted to the state had been honoured in camp during their orientation.

    Mohammed said at the closing ceremony of the Batch B orientation course in Damare Camp, near Yola, that the corps members were honoured for for exemplary conduct during the exercise.

    He said that the honoured corps members displayed high sense of patriotism, honesty and integrity.

    The coordinator commended corps members who found and returned to the owners items such as cash, handset, kits and other valuables.

    “To this end, we issued them with letters of commendation for exemplary conduct of patriotism, honesty and integrity,” Mohammed said.

    He said that the NYSC programme had moulded the corps members to be good Nigerians who are optimistic about the future of the country.

    “I am pleased to, on behalf of the Director General NYSC, Brig.-Gen. S. Z. Kazaure, boldly present to the government and people of Adamawa state a new breed of change agents, who are ready to partner with the government in making life better for our people in all nooks and crannies of the state,” Mohammed said.

    The coordinator thanked the Adamawa Government for its support to the scheme, and appealed for the state for the construction of a perimeter fence around the camp for security reasons.

    He also called for assistance in the provision of additional fans in hostels to make them more comfortable for corps members and officials.

    Read Also: NYSC to prioritise corps members’ welfare – DG

    In his remarks, Gov. Muhammadu Bindow, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr Martins Babale, lauded the corps members for their good conduct and commitment to participate in achieving the purpose of the scheme.

    He assured them of government commitment to ensure their safety and security in the state.

    “We have put in place adequate measures to ensure your security and safety anywhere you may find yourselves in all nooks and crannies of this state.

    “Similarly, I want to assure you of the warm reception and acceptance in all communities. You will also be accorded maximum cooperation, which will assure you of a hitch-free and memorable service year,” Bindow said.

  • NYSC graduates 1,329 SAED trainees in Anambra

    Mr Arinze Awogu, Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Council in Anambra, has applauded the contributions of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to the development of area.

    Awogu gave the commendation at the graduation of members of the corps who took part in the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) of the scheme at the temporary orientation site, Umunya on Friday.

    He said Ogbaru had benefitted from activities of Corps members in the areas of education, agriculture and cultural interaction.

    The council boss assured those who would be posted to the area of the best of Ogbaru hospitality and service experience.

    He said though Ogbaru was an agrarian community, Anambra was an entrepreneurship-oriented that anyone who was privileged to serve in the state would have no business in the unemployment market and with poverty.

    “I must commend the NYSC for the contributions the scheme ha made in Ogbaru and the entire state.

    “For those that will be posted to Ogbaru, count yourself lucky because we shall feed you and make you enjoy the best of service experience with the Ogbaru brand of hospitality,’’ he said.

    Contributing, Mrs Ifeyinwa Nwafor, Director of SAED programme, said no fewer than 1,329 corps members of the 2018 Batch B Stream One participated in the training which lasted for 10 days.

    Nwafor said they were trained in 11 major skills areas and exposed to the various funding options with experts from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry and Commercial Banks as resource persons.

    She congratulated them and urged them to take advantage of the after-camp mentorship programme when they go to their Places of Primary Assignment.

    Speaking, Mr Kehinde Aremu, Coordinator of the NYSC in Anambra, urged the corps members not to allow their skills to die in the camp.

    Aremu, who closed the training, said they must go with the mindset of one youth, one skill, as there was so much money to make in the world of entrepreneurship.

    He promised that the NYSC would continue to provide assistance to them, urging them to have their eyes at the top of whatever skills endeavour they took to.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the skills taught were Event Planning and Decorations, Solar Panel System, Bridal Fascinators, Fashion Designing and Bead Making.

    Others are Agro and Allied, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration System, Car Tracking Technology, Aluminum Fabrication and others.

  • NYSC to prioritise corps members’ welfare – DG

    Brig.-Gen. Suleiman Kazaure, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC ), on Thursday pledged to give priority to the welfare of corps members.

    Kazaure also said the management of NYSC was working tirelessly with relevant agencies to ensure that the Federal Government enhances the allowances of corps members.

    “We are not unmindful of the cost of goods and services in the country when placed side by side with the present allowance of the members.

    “We are not relenting as the scheme has made representations to the government through relevant agencies,” a statement issued in Ibadan by the Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Ifeoma Anidobi, quoted him as saying during a visit to the NYSC orientation camp at Iseyin.

    Kazaure urged corps members to continue to live up to their responsibilities by embracing diligent service to the nation and making good use of the scheme’ skill acquisition programme.

    “My dear children, in as much as you look forward to seeing improved welfare package from the government, the onus lies on you to serve the nation responsibly.

    “Eschew all forms of negative tendencies which are capable of truncating your dreams of becoming highly successful and respected leaders of tomorrow.

    Read Also: ‘How nine NYSC members died’ in Taraba’

    “The NYSC created a platform for you to become entrepreneurs, industrialists and future captains of industries with the introduction of skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development programme.

    “The programme can make you self sufficient during service and employers of labour after the service year,’’ he said.

    Kazaure also warned the corps members to desist from embarking on reckless journeys.

    “NYSC will not hesitate to deal with recalcitrant members in line with the act establishing the scheme; as parents we want you to stay alive to take care of us in our old age,” he said.