By Evelyn Terseer, Abuja

Corps members have been advised to be patriotic, diligent and imbibe the spirit of selfless service as they contribute their quota to national development.

NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim gave the charge on Monday in his address to the corps members deployed to Kaduna State for the 2021 Batch ‘B’ Stream One Service year.

He advised them to utilise the opportunities of the Orientation Course to create good friendship and teamwork that would add value to their service year.

The DG lectured them on the four cardinal programmes of the Scheme namely; Orientation Course, Primary Assignment, Community Development Service and Winding-Up/Passing-Out, adding that they must excel in them before they can be adjudged to have successfully completed the service year.

Speaking further, Ibrahim cautioned them against indulging in anti-social vices, as he warned that anyone caught would be sanctioned in line with NYSC Bye-Laws.

“You must avoid cutting corners, avoid cybercrimes, avoid drugs and other social vices. Be diligent, be patriotic and cherish your integrity. You must strive to add value to the Scheme and leave lasting legacies,” he said.

In a statement by the Director, press and public relations, Adenike Adeyemi, he also advised the Corps Members to   be security conscious and avoid actions that can endanger their safety.

The DG warned against embarking on unauthorized journeys, late-night movements and boarding vehicles by the roadside.

He advised them to obtain approval from the NYSC if it becomes mandatory for them to travel and ensure they board vehicles from authorized motor parks only.

The Director-General reiterated the need for  them to be conscious of COVID-19 safety protocols which involves washing of hands for at least twenty seconds, appropriate use of facemasks, use of hand sanitizer and maintaining social distancing.

“There is no COVID-19 in any of our Orientation Camps nationwide. Don’t go to town and don’t mix-up with outsiders so that your COVID-19 status wouldn’t be compromised. Delta variant is rampaging and l urge you not to let down your guards,” Ibrahim added.

He advised the Corps Members on the positive use of the Social Media saying; “Use the Social Media to promote National unity. Don’t spread fake news, spread good news that will unite us as Nigerians because there is unity in diversity. NYSC was established to promote National Unity and integration”.

“Also don’t use the Social Media to smear the NYSC Scheme, your employer and the country’s image,” the DG said.

General Ibrahim implored the corps members to execute individual and group projects that would improve the living standards of their host communities but added that they must not execute any project with their personal money, but rather source for funds from members of their host communities.

He however advised that approval must be obtained from NYSC before embarking on such project.

The Director-General also enjoined the Corps Members to key into the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme of the Scheme and participate in both the in-camp and post-camp trainings which was introduced into the Orientation Course Content to empower them with skills that would make them self-employed.

He said many ex-Corps Members are today employers of labour through their involvement in NYSC SAED programme.

Ibrahim also reiterated his call for the establishment of National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund that would make funds available for Corps Members to start their business as they exit service.

“We have partnered many financial institutions like the Central Bank of Nigeria, Access Bank, Unity Bank, Heritage Bank, Bank of Industry among others and they have been giving soft loans to Corps Members to finance their businesses,” he said.

The Director-General had earlier witnessed the swearing-in ceremony of the Prospective Corps Members where the Deputy Registrar, High Court of Justice Kaduna State, Mr Pius Iliya administered the Oath of Allegiance on the Prospective Corps Members deployed to the State.