The Acting Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Christy Uba, on Thursday in Lagos, urged corps members that will be participating in the 2023 general election to be apolitical and maintain a neutral status during the conduct of the all-important national assignment.
Mrs. Uba gave the charge during her maiden physical interface with corps members at the Iyana Ipaja temporary orientation camp in Lagos where she was received by the State Coordinator, Mrs . Yetunde Baderinwa, camp officials, corps members and safety and security agencies.
The Ag. DG advised politicians, “We appeal to politicians to take corps members as their children and shield them from situations as they would not want to endanger the lives of their biological children. They should protect and guard them above personal interests.”
Mrs. Uba urged corps members to perform assigned responsibilities during the forthcoming elections without bias and take active participation in the sensitization training programme, saying this will enable them to have a clear understanding of the election processes and assigned roles.
“My advice is that they should be apolitical, and unbiased. They should participate in the sensitisation and training programmes so that they will understand the election processes. When you are briefed and understand the details of the responsibility ascribed to you, nobody will push you around. Being knowledgeable is necessary because you cannot carry out a responsibility when you are ignorant of what is expected of you. This training and sensitization is a must for corps members.”
However, Mrs. Uba informed that participation in the conduct of the general election is voluntary and commended the founding fathers of the scheme and Nigerian youths for their active participation which has further unified people from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
She lauded the prompt resumption of prospective corps members for orientation in camps nationwide and puts the rate of resumption at 70 percent on the first across camps.
“What gives me joy is that Nigerian youths are always eager to participate and more committed to one of the objectives of the NYSC which is national integration and unity. They mingled with one another the moment they come in contact with diverse backgrounds. They bond easily and that is the beauty of the scheme in Nigeria as a nation.
“If our youths are not divided, it signifies that there is hope for this country. It gladdens my heart that we can bring these young men and women together, particularly when they are posted to communities, they hit the ground running, settle down and get integrated into their host communities as they initiate projects that have impacted the lives of their hosts.”
In her situation report, the Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs. Yetunde Baderinwa praised the spirit of oneness among corps members at the camp and expressed appreciation to the Lagos State government for the immense support to the scheme and supply of bunks and mattresses at the camp.
On challenges facing the scheme in the State, Baderinwa said the camp needs a good ambulance to support the existing two, ongoing work at the permanent orientation under construction and inadequacy of the temporary camp to accommodate corps members deployed to the state.
The highlights of the reception for the Acting Director-General were cultural dances and the presentation of gifts to the corps camp Directors, Overall parade commander and leaders of the band.
