No fewer than 932 members of the National Youth Service Corps of 2022 Batch C stream I, comprising 493 males and 439 females, have been urged to uphold national unity in their service.

Our correspondent reports that the batch was sworn-in through the oath of allegiance administered by Judge of the Gombe State High Court, Justice Abdulsalam Muhammad.

According to the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Fadah, corps members should embrace the ideals of the corps, stressing that they are expected to promote unity and integration.

Fadah, who was represented by the State Coordinator Ada Imoni, disclosed this on Tuesday in Amada, orientation camp Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.

He said, “As you are already aware, one of the major objectives of the NYSC is the promotion of national unity and integration. This informed your deployment away from your States of origin and you assemble here from diverse ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds.

“This policy will not only offer you the opportunity for a broader understanding of the country, but also entrench the culture of working together in an atmosphere filled with friendship, peace, harmony, and shared vision of a great and prosperous Nigeria.”

While urging them to comply with the dictates of the corps, the Director-General noted that they should get acquainted with relevant laws governing their service.

“Let me also remind you that the oath of allegiance you have taken today is significant, as it is expected to guide your conduct in the Service Year as well as have everlasting influence on your life after service. You are also enjoined to familiarise yourselves with the provisions of the NYSC Act and the NYSC Bye-Laws. 

“I implore you to sustain the high level of discipline and enthusiasm you have demonstrated so far, especially by remaining compliant with the Camp rules and regulations. You must continue to distance yourselves from cultism, drug abuse and other social vices. I also urge you to avoid using the social media for spreading fake news, fuelling of hatred and other negative purposes, and instead deploy same for the promotion of national unity and development. You are strongly advised to be security-conscious at all times, and to report any suspicious characters or activities around you to the appropriate authorities,” Fadah added.

He disclosed that Corps members should endeavour to get relevant skills, especially by taking seriously skillset both on camp and off camp after the orientation course, noting that such would ensure the attainment of self reliance.

Fadah said, “At this juncture, I would like to remind you that white-collar jobs are not readily available. Therefore, I encourage you to avail yourselves of opportunities for self-employment offered through our Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. You are expected to choose from any of the skill areas, and make yourselves available for the training, which starts from the Orientation Camp. On our part, Management will continue to work with relevant stakeholders for the success of the programme.”