Polycarp Sola-Abakaliki
Ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed has charged Corps members in Ebonyi State to perform election duty with a high sense of responsibility.
Ahmed gave the charge on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Batch A stream 1 orientation course which was held at the NYSC permanent site, Old McGregor college, Afikpo North Local Government Area of the State.
According to him, the performance of their predecessors had contributed to the credibility of the previous elections conducted in the country and earned positive accolades for the NYSC from local and foreign observers. He said;
“Therefore, I enjoin you to take a cue from them by performing the election duties with a high sense of responsibility.
“You are to ensure adherence to the guidelines contained in the Electoral Act and, especially, remain neutral throughout the exercise.
He assured them that the management of the NYSC has secured the commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as the security agencies to make provisions for their security and welfare.
” I would like to assure you that we have secured the commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies regarding your welfare and safety before, during, and after the elections,” he said.
The DG, who was represented by the State Coordinator, Mrs. Bamai Mercy, earlier noted that a total of 891 corps members, made of 418 males and 473 females participated in the orientation exercise.
He commended their performance in the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program for wealth creation during the orientation exercise.
The DG also encouraged them to build on the skills they acquired by availing themselves of further training while assuring them of his commitments to enhance the scheme.
“On our part, we will continue to liaise with financial institutions and other stakeholders to provide start-up loans to enable you to actualize your business dreams.
“I assure you that Management will continue to explore avenues for optimizing the impact of the program,” he explained.
On their postings to the place of primary assignment, he urged them to integrate with their host communities and initiate community development services that would impact them.
He charged them to be security conscious at all times and avoid indulgence in activities that would endanger their lives such as unauthorized journeys and involvement in night clubs.