Orientation camp not a jamboree, NYSC DG tells corps members
The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, on Thursday advised the corps members to always study the scheme’s handbook and allow it to guide their conducts.
Ahmed gave the advice during his visit to the 2024 Batch A, Stream 1 corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.
Speaking on measures put in place as penalty for any form of misconduct, he said that everything had been clearly stated and emphasised in the handbook.
He said that the National Orientation Camp was not a jamboree, but a regimented place structured to chart the right path that would make the corps members better Nigerians.
“ You must be aware of information in the handbook given to you. Again, the aim of the camp is to inculcate discipline, citizenry and leadership training in you.
“ If you commit any offence, the camp officials are there and you will be made to go into the ‘Camp Court’ where you will be given fair hearing before receiving judgement for whatever offence you committed,” he said.
The Director-General said that the corps members must make effort to secure their lives, apply the safety guidelines in their pamphlets and should not embark on unnecessary trips, unofficial trips or dangerous adventures.
According to him, the ultimate aim of the camp officials is to see that corps members are safe anywhere they are.
He said that the officials would continue to collaborate and do everything possible to ensure that members are safe.
“ However, listen and take very seriously the security lectures being given to you during this orientation programme. We have lost and do not want to lose corp members due to unnecessary journey,” he stressed.
Ahmed noted that it was fundamental for the corps members to take cognisance of their dressing, in and out of uniform, adding that, ‘all forms of sagging of trousers is prohibited’.
Earlier, the State Coordinator, NYSC Lagos, Mrs Yetunde Baderinwa, expressed delight to have the Director-General visit the corps members and officials in the orientation camp.
Giving an overview of the situation in camp, Baderinwa said that the state camp facilities, camp administration, corps and staffers welfare, policy implementation and other incidental arrangements aimed at prosecuting a successful orientation exercise in Lagos had been in order.
She noted that three corps members were elected as Corps Camp Directors in a keenly contested debate among the 10 platoon leaders, who took their time to work side-by-side with the camp directors in the general administration.
“ We are excited to have our Director-General visit our camp and we remain highly indebted to you, sir, and the entire NYSC management for the support, encouragement, inspiration, elevation and commendation that we have so far received in Lagos.
“ All corps members have been duly registered and accommodated at the hostel camp. The environment is usually cleared daily, meals are usually made in a hygienic manner, lectures are held according to the orientation course timetable.
“ The camp market is operating under a regulated arrangement, the camp medical facility is fully functional with consultants and house doctors from FMC, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, with assistance of Ciro’s Medical Personnel,” she added.
The coordinator also said that the relationship between the Lagos State Government and the State Secretariat had been robust.
She said that the State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had been passionate about the NYSC in the state and had supported it with regards to their statutory responsibilities.
