The Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim says corps members yet to be vaccinated against Coronavirus (COVID-19) will take their jabs in their orientation camps.
Ibrahim disclosed this on Tuesday in Enugu during the swearing-in of corps members for the 2021 Batch ‘C’, Stream II Orientation Course.
The director general was represented by the NYSC Director in Enugu State, Mr Sam Ujogu.
He said that the move became expedient following the latest Federal Government directive for all civil servants to have evidence of COVID-19 vaccination as prerequisite for entry to public offices.
“The Federal Government has announced plan to take presentation of evidence of COVID-19 vaccination by civil servants a prerequisite for gaining entry to public offices from Dec. 1, 2021.
“I encourage those of you who have yet to take the vaccine, to do so without further delay as the rule could apply to corps members in places of primary assignments.
“We are already in touch with the relevant authorities with a view to ensuring that the vaccines are made available to you in the course of this programme,” he said..
Ibrahim commended the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for their support, guidance and continuous provision of Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits and other materials for usage in all orientation camps.
He cautioned the corps members against indulgence in cultism, drug abuse and other social vices.
“I also urge you to use the social media only for the promotion of unity and other positive purposes rather than rumor peddling and promotion of hatred.
“I encourage you to ensure healthy interactions, exchange ideas and build lasting friendships with a view to advancing the progress of a united Nigeria,” he said.
The director general said that the scheme was not unmindful of the dearth of white-collar jobs in the country.
“For this reason, the empowerment of corps members for self-employment and wealth creation has been a major area of focus for the scheme since 2012.
“You will from this moment be availed of that opportunity through our Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme,” Ibrahim said.
Earlier, Justice Anthony Onovo of the Enugu State High Court, who administered the oath of allegiance on the corps members, described national service as honourable.
Onovo appealed to the corps members to comport themselves and get the best out of those they would meet at their places of primary assignments.
Ikengaonline reports that 1875 corps members participated in the swearing-in ceremony in the state.
The highlight of the event was the inauguration and investiture of corps camp directors and COVID-19 Vanguards.
