DESIST FROM FAKE NEWS — NYSC BOSS CAUTIONS CORPS MEMBERS

REPORTER: CHUKWUMA EZEOGU

Youths have been advised to desist from peddling fake news through social media that may sow discord in the polity, but to channel the drive towards useful ventures that would engender national unity.

The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Mohammed Fadah, gave the advise in a message to the swearing in of the Batch C stream 1 Corps members deployed to Enugu State.

The event was held at the Permanente Orientation Camp, Agwu, Enugu State, for the three weeks orientation course of the corps members.

The DG, represented by the Enugu State Coordinator, Mr. Sam Ujogu, encouraged to Corps members to avail themselves of opportunities that would improve their skills to contribute to the economy of the country.

The Director General, also appealed for the support of stakeholders in the quest for the establishment of NYSC Trust Fund.

He further explained that legislative processes toward the passage of a bill for the establishment of NYSC Trust Fund had reached advanced stage.

Brigadier General Fadah noted that the passage of the Trust Fund Bill would reposition the Scheme for the realization of its set objective.

“May I appeal for the support of all stakeholders in the call for the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund which has reached advanced stage of legislation.

“This will enhance the smooth operations of the scheme, especially by addressing the challenges of infrastructure and providing start-up capital for corps members,” he stated.

The NYSC boss warned the Corps members to be security conscious and extolled the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for its continued support towards the safe conduct of the Orientation Course within the new normal.

Earlier, while administering the oath of allegiance, the Enugu State Chief Judge, represented by Justice Anthony Onovo, advised the corps members to participate actively in the process, noting that the orientation would prepare them to confront future challenges, which the society might throw at them.

Two of the Corps members, who did not want their names mentioned, described the scheme as a veritable platform for strengthening the bond of unity among the youth of the country and thanked the Federal Government for its sustenance.

“But mingling with people of same culture and other tribes is a very wonderful experience and i am very happy and grateful to be here.

“Without NYSC, I don’t think I will actually ever stepped foot in the East but NYSC has brought me here to serve my fatherland and I am very happy to be here,” they said.

The Corps members pledged to abide by the stipulations of the scheme and promised to pay adequate attention to the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme (SAED), which forms part of the Orientation Course.

1,443 corps members, comprising 663 males and 770 females were sworn in during the ceremony.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU