NYSC implores Corps Members to cultivate reading culture
….says the nation looks up to Corps members for credible polls
By Chima Azubuike
The State Coordinator of National Youth Service Corps Ada Imoni, has implored Corps Members deployed to the state to cultivate reading culture.
Imoni, made this disclosure on Friday during the swearing in ceremony of 2023 batch A stream I Corps Members held at temporary orientation Amada, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
Our Correspondent reports that the Chief Judge; Justice Halima Mohammed, administered pledge and oath of allegiance.
Mohammed, was represented by Justice Abdulsalam Mohammed, 595 Corps Members comprising 347 males and 248 females participated.
According to Imoni, it was imperative for Corps Members to learn how to read, following the advantages derived from the act.
The State Coordinator said, “I implore Corps members to cultivate the habit of reading. We have distributed publications through your platoon officers. It behoves you therefore to peruse them at your spare time in order to be well grounded on activities of the Scheme for a successful service year. Such publications include: Orientation and Service ABCS of Community Development Service, NYSC Act, NYSC Bye-laws, teaching assignment and Director- General’s message among others.”
While assuring Corps Members about their safety during and after the electioneering process, Imoni advised them to be patriotic.
“Young Compatriots, the 2023 General elections is around the corner. As the Scheme prepares Corps members for the task ahead, I call on Corps members to be non-partisan. The nation looks up to you for free, fair and credible elections. It behoves you, my dear children to see yourselves as agents of change and Nigeria’s ray of hope.
“You must uphold the ideals of the NYSC throughout the duration of the national assignment. The Independent National Electoral Commission in the memorandum of understanding with the Scheme is committed to the security and welfare of Corps members on election duty. The Government of Gombe State is equally prepared to see to your safety in the course of the national assignment,” Imoni added.
On his part, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, lauded the impact of NYSC to national development.
Yahaya, was represented by Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and Abubakar Musa, who doubles as board chairman of NYSC in Gombe State, urged the Corps Members to endeavour to serve in the state, noting that they should not bother to redeploy since Gombe is safe.
He said, “The contributions of corps members is beyond what we can mention. They have contributed immensely towards making the country what we are today and where we are heading. They have been part of the development of the country. This swearing in coincidences with the golden jubilee of the scheme so am praying that the Corps Members would use this opportunity diligently and make sure they contribute immensely to the development of their fatherland and the country at large.”
Speaking on the Trust fund, which is underway, “there are talks with three senators across the senatorial districts and House of Representatives members to convince their colleagues to make them pass the bill and to ensure the President assents to the bill in time.
“My administration supports the passage of NYSC Trust Fund into law. I commend the National Assembly for their concern about the state of unemployment in the country. I do everything possible to support credible initiative of the NYSC at all times.”
On the involvement of Corps Members in electioneering, the governor urged them to play the game according to rules, stressing that they should never accept attempts to denigrate their status.
Yahaya added, “They should play the game according to the rules and they should not partake in politicking they should stand firming on the job they have been asked to do. They should not allow themselves to be used by politicians to diminish their status and calibre.”
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that Emir of Gombe Shehu Abubakar III was represented at the event by the Senior District Head, Yeriman Gombe.
Thug of war, Man o War, display were part of highlight that made the ceremony memorable.
