As the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Rivers State, passed out its Batch ‘A’ Stream 2 corps members yesterday, in Port Harcourt, some corps members who did not live up to expectation would be punished in accordance with NYSC Bye-laws.
The State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr. George Mfongang, made this known yesterday, at the Passing Out Parade of the 2021 Batch A Stream 2 corps members which held at the Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt.
Mfongang said “17 out of the 2,658 corps members passed out were allegedly found guilty of violating the bye-laws of the scheme and as a result, 12 out of the number, are expected to repeat the service year while five will serve extension ranging from one month to four months on half pay, meant to serve as an eye-opener and a deterrent to other corps members on ground.” Their offences, the coordinator revealed, ranged from abscondment from service to unauthorised journeys and other miscellaneous offences.
Meanwhile, two others among the batch who distinguished themselves during the one-year scheme in the state received the NYSC Governing Board Chairman’s Award and the State Honours Awards respectively, because of their outstanding, enormous personal sacrifices and contributions to improve their host communities and leaving them better than they met them.
Mfongang in his address expressed happiness towards the selfless services of the corps members and how well they adapted in their host communities. He commended their efforts in initiating and executing group and personal community development (CD) projects and also positively touching the lives of people in their host communities.
“I am happy to note that the corps members adapted well in the communities where they served with renewed enthusiasm and love for the good of the state. They also left indelible footprints in the lives of the people especially in the areas of education, health care, agriculture and rural infrastructure”
“The active participation of these corps members in initiating and executing group and personal CDs projects in the area of healthcare delivery, formal and non-formal education, environmental sanitation, construction and economic empowerment among others are highly commendable”.
Regrettably, he announced that four corp members lost their lives during the one-year scheme. “On a very sad note, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, four corps members paid the supreme sacrifice during the course of the service year”.
The state coordinator applauded the Rivers State Governor, referring to him as the “NYSC-loving Governor” for his support in making the operations of the one-year scheme seamless. He went further to encourage the outgoing corps members to work hard towards their future without any form of doubt.
On the same note, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Special Services Bureau, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. George Chimezie Nweke, in his address, commended the outgoing corps members for their meaningful contributions, patriotism and diligent services to nation building. He promised that his administration will continue to make investments to improve the NYSC operations.
Furthermore, Wike advised the Corps members to desist from negative tendencies that will tarnish the image of the country.
He said:” Let me assure you that my administration will continue to tap from the advantages of our partnership with the NYSC scheme in bridging the gaps in such critical areas like education, healthcare services, agriculture and rural infrastructure.
“In view of the above, my administration will continue to hold the NYSC scheme in high esteem and will never hesitate to make investments to improve its operations, programs and activities”.
He concluded by imploring them to shun all forms of negative tendencies that will tarnish the image of the country among the comity of nations, enjoining them to ensure that they avoid vices such as indiscipline, corruption, bribery, nepotism and religious bigotry amongst others”.

By: Precious Boms