Nation
NYSC Decries Corps Members’ Engagement In Local Politics
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has warned corps members commencing their primary assignment from Dec. 15, against engaging in local politics in their communities of posting.
Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, the NYSC Director-General, gave the warning yesterday, at the Closing Ceremony of the orientation course for the 2021 Batch “C” Stream II set of corps members at the Kubwa Orientation camp, Abuja.
Ibrahim urged the corps members to rather focus on undertaking personal and group community development projects that will uplift the living standard of the community.
“I must emphasise that engagement in their local politics is a no-go area for you. I enjoin you to undertake personal and group community development service projects that will help to uplift the living standard of the people.
“My dear compatriots, as you begin the next phase of the service year, I urge you to sustain the spirit of patriotism, hard work, and resilience that you imbibed during the orientation course.
“It is my ardent hope that you strive to meet the experiences of Nigerians by contributing toward the progress and development of our fatherland.
“In keeping with the objectives of the scheme, you are expected to integrate into your host communities while also appreciating and respecting their cultures,” Ibrahim said.
He urged corps members to abide by the oath of allegiance that they swore to and accept their areas of posting in good faith.
Ibrahim also assured the corps members that the scheme would do its best to optimise the impact of the NYSC programme.
“Your letters of posting to places of primary assignment will be handed to you soon after this ceremony.
“In this regard, I will like to remind you of your oath of adherence in which you pledged to accept posting in good faith.
“I enjoin you to perform your duties with diligence and be guided by the provisions of the NYSC Act and Bye-laws as well as workshop rules and regulations.
“I wish to assure you that management will continue to explore avenues for optimising the impact of the programme,” the director-general said.
He advised the corps members to remain security conscious by staying clear of acts that could put them in harm’s way.
According to Ibrahim, these acts include staying out late at night, attending night parties, visiting dangerous places, and accepting car rides from strangers.
The director-general told the corps members “you can rest assured that management remains committed to your security and general welfare.
“We are in constant liaison with security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure your safety as well as address other essential needs for a fulfilling service year.
“At all times you should be good ambassadors of the NYSC as well as your families and institutions of graduation.
“You must be wary of acts that can soil our image, especially vices such as drug abuse and trafficking, cybercrime, and advanced-fee-fraud.
“Your membership of the service corps does not confer immunity from the legal consequences of any wrongdoing,” Shuaibu said.
He called on corps members to ensure that they observed the COVID-19 protocols at all times while also urging those that were unvaccinated to get vaccinated.
Three corps members were granted certificates of commendation for their outstanding contribution and excellent service delivery to the NYSC FCT Secretariat.
The corps members are: Adamu Charity with state code number FC/21C/4916; Akinwale Precious, state code number FC/21C/4967; and Yakubu Amack, state code number FC/21C/4803.
No fewer than 2,266 corps members were registered and participated in the two-week orientation course which was held from Nov. 30 to December 14.
An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre is set to be established in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema /Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The initiative is being championed by the Omoku People’s Forum, a global association of Omoku elites, under the leadership of its President-General, Dr. George Ada Ubah.
As part of efforts to ensure the successful execution of the project, a prominent son of Omoku, Chief (Barr.) Dennis Masi, has been appointed by the Forum as the Chairman of the ICT Centre Project Committee, entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating and driving the initiative to fruition. Upon completion, the ICT Centre is expected to serve as a major hub for the training and empowerment of youths in digital and technological skills, equipping them to actively participate in the increasingly technology-driven global environment.
The project is also widely regarded as a significant step towards positioning Omoku as an emerging ICT hub within Rivers State, fostering innovation, digital literacy, and economic development in the region.
Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development has said it formation was not politically motivated or has any links to political parties or candidates.
The group which said this at a media briefing at Abuloma in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area said it’s formation has nothing to do with politics.
According to the text for the briefing jointly signed by Chief Boma Kele Oyika it’s chairman and Chief Inemo T Ikama Deputy Secretary General said the organization is expected to focus on conflict Resolution, community engagement, collaboration with government and private sector actors
‘it mandate also includes promoting peace building initiative, supporting local economic empowerment programms and strengthening traditional institutions in our state and beyond as partners in governance ”
It said the body is led by a team of respected traditional leaders serving as trustees
“Their collective leadership reflects a blend of experience cultural authority and grassroots connection
“Key elements considered vital for addressing long standing,socio economic and security challenges in the region”
The release further says ” the formation of this organization comes at a time when communities in Rivers state continue to navigate between issues ranging from youth unemployment, environmental concerns and intermittent conflicts amongst the traditional rulers and beyond
“By bringing together influential traditional figures under a unified platform, the group aims at serving as stabilizing force while advocating for inclusive development policies ” it said
It also described its emergence as a new chapter in grass roots leadership and regional development
Earlier, chairman of the body, Chief Boma Kele Oyika said the organization will work with relevant authorities to promote peaceful coexistence in the state, reduce crime and promote economic development.
He said it is open to all Chiefs from the 23 local government areas.
The Chairman of The Nigeria Delta Chamber of Commerce, Trade, Mines and Agriculture NDCCTMA,Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC ) Dr Samuel Ogbuku have challenged Niger Delta entrepreneurs to close the gap in Gross Demostic Products (GDP) differences between the region and that of the South Western part of the country by coming home to invest.
The two leaders spoke at a business round table organized by NDDCTMA in Port Harcourt
Chairman of NDDCTMA Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan, said to close the gap between the south west region which he said has a GDP seize of about #59 trillion and that of the Niger Delta which is about #34 trillion was to massively invest in the region.
He said no other persons can do this except sons and daughters from the region.
“For me I believe in statistics,I believe in data and everyday I looked at the data concerning development in Nigeria and from the GDP point of view, the South West has #59 trillion, that is the seize of the south west region economy, the second region following them is the Niger Delta region with GDP seize of #34 trillion,so there is a yearning gap of #25 trillion that separates the south west and the Niger Delta region, that is why we are here”
Ogan said the region has the capacity to close the gap and even surpassed it but regretted that indigenes of the region have chosen to ignore it in terms of investment.
“We need to close that gap .If we close that gap and even surpassed it,all the negative problems of militancy and unemployment will automatically erase “he said
Ogan said the event was organized to remind the people that past efforts of militancy and agitations have not led the region to any where
“That is why we are gathered here in this room “he said.
Also speaking Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission( NDDC) Dr Samuel Ogbuku urged indigenes of the region not to use the problem of insecurity as an excuse to continue to deny the region of investment as every part of the country have in one time or the other experienced crisis.
Ogbuku said most indigenes have displayed high level of unpatriotism towards the region by taking investments that would have benefited the people to either Lagos or Abuja.
“With little threat we have left the city,we have gone to Lagos,we have moved our families to Abuja and Lagos
“If you go round GRA all the property, you will see,”to let to let”most of them are now empty “he said.
The NDDC MD said despite the fact that people from the region are doing well in the oil and gas, banking and other sectors, its impact are not being felt at home because they are stationed outside the region.
He said time has come for potential investors from the region to have a change of heart by coming home to invest.
John Bibor