NYSC sanctions Corps members for absenteeism, truancy

20 marriages, 72 births recorded during service

The curtain has dropped on the 2016/17 Batch ‘A’ (Stream 1) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme across the land yesterday. BASSEY ANTHONY, OKODILI NDIDI, KOLADE ADEYEMI report the passing out or Corps members at the various Orientation camps.

It was harvest of marriages, births and sanction for some members of the 2016/17 Batch ‘A’ (Stream 1) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

More than 100 Youth Corps members have had their service year extended for involving in sundry offences, including absenteeism. Not a few got Letters of Commendations for exemplary behaviours from their states of primary assignment. A Corps member, who distinguished himself got an automatic employment in Imo State.

The revelations came on the heels a report that 20 of them had their marriages contracted and 72 of them delivered of babies during the service year, which ended yesterday nationwide

The marriages and births were recorded in Oyo State. The sanctions would be applied on 112 Youth Corps members in eight states.

The states where the big stick was wielded on erring Youth Corps members during the passing-out parade across the land are: Osun (10); Lagos (23); Anambra (13); Delta (19); Ondo (30); Akwa Ibom (21); Imo (four) and Niger (two).

According to the Oyo State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Ifeoma Anidobi, 72 of the 3, 406 corps members deployed to the state gave birth to no fewer than 72 babies.

She also noted that the state recorded 20 marriages by the corps members and three deaths.

Mrs. Anidobi said: “The 3,406 corpers consist of 1,504 males and 1,902 females, out of which three members received state’s awards, while one received the chairman’s award.

“Again, 38 received commendation letters, while 28 had disciplinary cases. Those with disciplinary cases are to undergo extension of service, ranging from two weeks to four months.”

In Akwa Ibom, 21 Corps members deployed in the state are to repeat their service year for absconding from their places of primary assignment.

The Coordinator, Julius Amusan, said that out of the 2,827 corps members sent to the state, 12 of them would have their service extended from three to four months for absenteeism among other offences.

He said: “Also, during the service year under review, 21 corps members absconded from service and have been recommended for outright repeat of the service year whenever they resurface.

“There are 12 others that committed various degrees of misconduct ranging from unauthorised journeys, to absenteeism and other acts not in conformity with the NYSC By-laws.

“They will serve extension of service ranging from three to four months.”

He commended some corps members for their exemplary behaviours, adding that they conducted themselves within the ambit of the law and lived up to the ideals of the scheme.

Amusan charged the outgoing corps members to make use of the lessons they have learnt during the service as their guiding principles.

He said: “Life after service may not have presented a rosy picture, particularly the dire unemployment situation, but the courage and resilience you will put into it matter a lot.

“The various skills to which you have been exposed in the last one year would serve as a launching pad to overcoming immediate challenge, as you go into the labour market.”

He described as regrettable that three corps members from the batch died in the course of the service.

Governor Udom Emmanuel described the NYSC as a critical partner in the development of the state.

Emmanuel, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports, Aniedi Dickson, added that their contributions in the implementation of government policies and programmes impacted greatly on all sectors of the economy.

The governor said: “The government and people of Akwa Ibom State cannot compensate you adequately for filling the gaps in our educational and socio-economic lives. The enduring legacies you are leaving behind will be preserved for our benefits and posterity.”

Automatic employment for Corps member

The Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, gave automatic employment to Umeotawara Lauretta Ebere, who emerged the Most Outstanding Corps member for the 2017 Batch ‘A’ (Stream 1) in the state.

Announcing the gesture at the passing out of 1,542 Corps members, the governor also gave N200, 000 to the Corps member.

Other Corps members also benefitted from the governor’s benevolence as each of them got N10, 000 as transport fare to their respective states.

The governor commended the Corps members for their impressive performance during the service year, pledging to provide additional 2000-capacity accommodation for Corps members posted to the state.

“You are the hope of future generation and I urge you not to be found wanting in character an in conduct wherever you are, and to be employers of labour instead of job seekers because of the non-availability of white collar jobs in the country”, he said.

The state Coordinator of the NYSC, Josephine Bakare Uche, said that a total of 615 male corps members and 927 females participated in the programme.

Four of them, she said, would be repeating the service year for absconding, while six others have their service years extended for various acts of indiscipline and truancy.

Her words: “The Corps members carried out their normal duties and community development programmes, skill acquisition programmes and this has further enhanced unity among them.”

 Sanction for 13 in Anambra

 Thirteen Corps members will repeat their service in Anambra State, NYSC Coordinator Ebenezer Olawale said at the passing out in Awka, the state capital.

Olawale, however, did not give details of those who would either repeat the service and those whose service year was extended.

He said that of 2,801 out of the 2,814 corps members satisfied the requirements of service and were accordingly issued discharge certificates.

Olawale said that seven members won the Governor’s Award while five won the Chairman’s Award and 13 went home with the State Coordinator’s Award.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of one Corps member and a staff of the NYSC in the state who died during the service year.

Wishing the discharged members well as they moved into the larger society, the coordinator said: “We are, indeed grateful to Governor Willie Obiano and the people of Anambra for their support to the scheme and for enabling environment that was created.”

The Commissioner for Youth Entrepreneurship & Creative Economy, Bonaventure Emenali, congratulated the outgoing corps members.

Emenali, the Chairman of NYSC Governing Board in Anambra, lauded all the award-winning corps members and commended them for their good service to the state.

He charged them to continue to do more for the country in their future endeavours.

 23 to repeat service in Lagos

 The NYSC presented State Honours’ Award and cash prizes to 14 outstanding corps members in Lagos State, the state coordinator, Momammed Momoh, said at the passing-out parade at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana-Ipaja, yesterday.

He also announced the death of three corps members during the service year.

According to Momoh, the awardees, including  11 corps members of the  2016 Batch ‘A’ and ‘B ‘ and three corps members in the 2017 Batch ‘A’, Stream I, received cash prizes ranging from N150,000 to N200,000.

He said: “On a sad note, we lost three corps members of this batch to the cold hands of death. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their families the fortitude to bear the losses.’’

Momoh said that 4,876 corps members successfully completed their service, explaining that six corps members received Chairman’s Commendation, while 20 others got the state coordinator’s attestation.

The coordinator said that 23 corps members would repeat their service for absconding from duty, adding that 17 others would have their service extended for various periods as a punishment.

He said: “Just as NYSC recognises and rewards excellence, the scheme also punishes corps members, who breach its rules and guidelines.

“I wish, therefore, to report that 23 corps members absconded from service and they are to repeat the service. Seventeen others are to serve various periods of extension of service.’’

Momoh commended E-Insurance Solutions Centre Ltd., Ikoyi, for sending four corps members to Kenya for training and employing two of them after their service.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties & Inter-Governmental Relations, Oluseye Oladejo, commended the corps members for contributing to the development of the state.

He listed the areas where the corps members made their marks to include education, health, sensitisation and awareness campaign against child abuse/domestic violence, drug abuse and HIV/AIDS.

The governor said: “Nigeria is looking forward to you as future leaders that have been equipped with what it takes to achieve the vision of a stronger, more secure, stable and prosperous nation.

“As you prepare to commence another phase of livelihood, I urge you to keep in mind the lesson of this programme, which is the awareness and appreciation of the diversity of your nation.”

 Two punished in Niger for breaching ethics

 Two Corps members are to repeat their service for abscondment from their places of primary assignment, the state Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Theresa Arokoyo, disclosed during the passing out of 1,947 Corps member in Minna, yesterday.

She said that any Corps member who failed to conform to the ethics, norms and ideals of the scheme would also be sanctioned according to the dictates of the NYSC by-law.

 Mrs. Arokoyo also announced that four corps members received the state merit award for outstanding performances in community development projects that have impacted positively on the lives of their host communities.

She added that two corps members lost their lives in the course of their service year due to road accident and illness.

The coordinator said that during the service year, the Corps members acquired entrepreneurial skills that would enable them to be self-reliant.

She commended the corps members for their contributions toward the growth and development of the state and the Nation at large.

Arokoyo applauded the state government for providing transportation for the 2017 Batch ‘B’ stream 2 corps members transferred to Kaduna for their orientation camp and providing N3,000 transport fare for the out-going corps members.

In his remarks, Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger, commended the corps members for their contributions to the living standard of their host communities and donation of learning equipment to improve the standard of education in the state.

Bello, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Ismaila Ibrahim, advised the corps members to put into practice the lessons and skills learnt in order to become self-reliant.

He said: “As a responsive government, we are very sensitive to the needs and aspiration of our youths, as such, we have put in place a comprehensive road map for effective engagement of our teaming youths.

“We have trained over 5,000 youths in various agricultural activities, artisanship and other vocational skills and provision of employment for graduates.”

 Amosun urges Corps members on ideals of scheme

 In Ogun State, Governor Ibikunle Amosun called on Corps members to always imbibe the ideals of the NYSC wherever they find themselves.

Amosun gave the charge at the M.K.O Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta, where he made a surprise appearance having already delegated a representative.

He said: “I am here today because I see you as leaders in your own right and because of the exemplary report I got of your stewardship during your service year.

“I have been reliably informed that you have not only upheld the track record of your predecessors, but surpassed them in every way possible.

“I therefore advise our youths to leverage our worthy endeavours in the interest of the nation and for the sake of the future.

“Let the long-standing experience and training you have had in your different institutions and places of assignment continue to reflect in your lives and interactions.

“In doing this, we would create a more formidable and unified basis for articulating and executing more enduring policies which will ultimately draw youths away from self-destructive activities.

“Even as we approach the electioneering period, I urge you not to lend yourselves as instruments of violence.”

The NYSC Coordinator in the state, John Okpo, urged the Corps members not to involve themselves in illegal activities that will tarnish their image.

“Continue to imbibe the spirit of humility, service and dedication as you enter into the larger society”, Okpo said.

He said that a total of 3, 900 Corps members successfully completed the programme, while 10 absconded from service.

According to him, one person, who ran afoul of the NYSC by-laws, would be punished accordingly.

 10 get service extention in Osun

  The NYSC in Osun extended the service of 10 of the 2,086 outgoing corps members for committing various offences, the state Coordinator, Emmanuel Attah, said during the passing out at the permanent orientation camp in Ede.

Attah said the Corps members breached the rules guiding the service year and they would serve varying degrees of punishment.

He said the punishment would range from extension of service to re-mobilisation in accordance with the by-laws of the scheme and gravity of their offences.

The coordinator, however, implored them to be committed to a lifelong service of rebuilding Nigeria as well as make use of their skills, intellect and development to better the lives of people around them.

In his farewell remarks, Governor Rauf Aregbesola urged the corps members to be self-reliant and not to wait for white collar jobs.

The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, also charged them to arm themselves with the skills gained in the course of the service year as they stepped into the larger society.

He said: “Do not yield to frustrations and desperation orchestrated by scourge of unemployment and youthful restlessness but stay tuned to your course. Be discipline, accountable and patient and not be in a hurry to achieve in a day what will take years to achieve. Shun every temptation to do those things of which you and your family and the nation will not be proud of.’’

Hammer falls on 19 in Delta

The NYSC said that 19 of its Corps members will have to repeat the service for absconding from their service-year programme and would repeat it whenever they presented themselves to the authority.

State Coordinator Benjamin Omotade said during the passing out of the Corps members in Asaba that 16 would have their service year extended for between two weeks and four months.

He said the Corps were found wanting and had been reprimanded in accordance with the by-laws of the NYSC.

Omotade, however, said that three Corps members who distinguished themselves in their primary places of assignment had been selected for recognition and awards.

He said that two, who belonged to Stream 1 would receive the Chairman’s Award while one would be conferred with the state Honours Award during the 2017 Batch A Stream 11 passing out.

 Omotade, who said that the recognition and awards were in line with the policy of the scheme, also advised the corps members to go home and re-unite with their families after a meritorious service to the nation.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa admonished the Corps members not to be deterred by security challenges and unemployment.

Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Oghenejaro Ilolo, the governor said that their participation and experience in the scheme were to equip them with the necessary skills and strategies for survival as adults in a competitive world.

2,405 discharged in Kano

In Kano, the NYSC lost one Corps member as 2,405 completed the service year, the state Coordinator, Baba Ladan, said yesterday.

Ladan said Sani Kayode Mustapha died while serving at College of Legal Studies in Kano.

Also, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, assured the NYSC management that the state government would continue to provide security to corps members in the state.

Ladan also disclosed that out of the 2,405 Corps members expected to pass out yesterday, seven of them absconded and 17 were disciplined for various offences ranging from extension of service between two weeks to five months and outright repeat of service.

He said: “During this service year, we lost one Sani Kayode Mustapha, a diligent young man serving at Aminu Kano School of Islamic and Legal Studies Kano.”

The coordinator explained that two outstanding corps members were given letters of commendation, while three are to receive the state government awards for their contribution in various sections at their host community.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner of Information, Muhammad Garba, urged the Corps members to be self-reliant, pointing out that the era of white collar job was over and that the government alone cannot provide jobs for the teeming masses, looking for opportunities.

According to him, you have lived up to the objective of the scheme for national unity, integration and socio-economic development across the nation.

Ganduje commended the various efforts of local government chairmen, heads of government establishment, corporate organizations, community leaders and individuals that have been supporting the scheme in the state.

30 to repeat programme for abscondment in Ondo

Thirty corps members, who observed the service year in Ondo, will have to repeat the programme for abscondment.

The state Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Akpabio, said that 2,088 corps members successfully passed out, with three getting state awards for outstanding performance during the service year.

Mrs. Akpabio said that 17 corps members got extension ranging from two weeks to three months for truancy and other offences.

The coordinator said the offences were against the scheme’s rules and regulations.

He said: “Permit me to stress that gone are the days of being expectant of a life-time job immediately after service. It is deception of oneself if you think along that line, it is better for you to brace up and think of what you can do yourself.

“Do not align with people that put up attitude as if creative thinking and individual initiative ended with graduation, this is absolutely wrong.”

In his remarks, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu congratulated the corps members for their successful service to their fatherland.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Ifedayo Abegunde, the governor urged them to bring to bear in future endeavours, the knowledge acquired during the service year, for their self-dependence and societal growth.