President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday in Abuja commended the contribution of NYSC members to their host communities during their primary assignments nationwide.

Jonathan made the commendation at the passing-out ceremony of the 2012 Batch ‘A’ corps members.

The president was represented by Director, Finance and Administration, Social Development Secretariat, FCTA, Alhaji Salisu Kallamu,.

“Your sincere contributions to your host communities in the area of Community Development Services are commendable.’’

According to him, most of the corps members will be leaving their host communities in a better state than they met them.

“Your affinity to your host communities during your primary assignments should equally form the basis of life-long friendships, national unity and integration, which is the core objective of the NYSC scheme.’’

Jonathan also commended them for their contributions to the critical sectors of the economy as well as their role in giving credibility to electoral processes.

He urged the members to utilise the experience they gained during the one-year service to be a guide in the pursuit of their goals.

“I have been briefed that skills acquisition programme aimed at empowering corps members to become self-employed started by this batch.

“The reports reaching me indicate that the programme is widely embraced by corps members and has recorded appreciable success.’’

Jonathan noted that his administration had remained focused on youth empowerment which would be pursued through SURE-P, You win and other programmes.

“I therefore urge you to cooperate and support this administration to reduce the current level of unemployment.’’

He also said that this year, the Federal Government would partner with UNDP to recruit young professionals for work on variety of UN programmes around the world.

“This will expose our youths and make them serve as Nigerian ambassadors, not only in the International Civil Service, but also in many other respects.’’

The Coordinator, FCT NYSC, Mr Frank Ekpunobi, said 27 corps members who distinguished themselves in community development and primary assignment would be recognised.

“Six honours award, 10 certificates of commendation and 10 will receive letters of commendation.’’

Ekpunobi congratulated the corps members and urged them to shun negative vices that were prevalent in the larger society.

“Always be guided by the positive ideals of the scheme which you must have internalised in the last one year.’’

Our correspondent  reports that 3,600 members passed out at the FCT NYSC camp.

Meanwhile, 48 of them who served in Oyo State, will receive sanctions including outright repeat of service year and extension of service, for various offences committed during the year.

Disclosing this in Ibadan yesterday at the passing-out parade of corps members, Mr Olanipeku Alao, the state coordinator of NYSC, said some of the offences were dereliction of duty, absenteeism and abandonment of duty post.

Alao, however, said the sanctions were subject to ratification by the NYSC directorate headquarters.

He also announced that 21 other members who excelled in their areas of primary assignment were rewarded.

He said three of them would be decorated with the state government award, four with NYSC Governing Board Award and 14 with the coordinator’s commendation certificates.

The coordinator thanked Gov. Abiola Ajimobi for creating a peaceful and secure atmosphere for corps members in the state.

He also thanked the governor for the financial and material support to NYSC and the appreciable progress of work at the permanent site of the orientation camp at Iseyin town.

A total of 3,503 corps members made up of 1,836 males and 1,667 females participated in the passing-out parade in the state.

In Niger, two batch ‘A’ members collapsed in Minna during the passing-out parade because of the scorching sun.

Our correspondent  reports that the first incident occurred when the parade commander slumped midway into the parade and was revived by the medical team.

Another member, who was the first flag bearer of the parade, also fell down towards the end of the show when the representative of the state governor, Mrs Victoria Jiya, was taking the salute.

The member was taken away and revived by the medical team but could not make it for the remaining part of the parade.