NYSC: Don’t engage in local politics, D-G warns corps members

Brig.-Gen.Shuaibu Ibrahim, Director-General (D-G) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has urged corps members to avoid getting involved in local politics in their host areas.

Ibrahim issued the warning during the closing ceremony of the 2021 Batch C, Stream II orientation Course, which took place on Tuesday at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Nasarawa’s Keffi Local Government Area.

Ibrahim congratulated the 1,621 corps members, 650 males and 971 females, and reaffirmed the management’s commitment to their safety.

Ibrahim, who was represented by Mr Abdullahi Jikamshi, the Nasarawa Coordinator of NYSC, also assured the corps members that they would be taken care of and that other needs would be met for a successful service year.

He also reiterated the scheme’s non-partisan political policy and warned them not to get involved in local politics in the host communities where they were posted for their primary assignments.

“In accordance with the scheme’s objectives, you are expected to integrate into your host communities while appreciating and respecting their cultures.”

“I must, however, emphasize that participation in local politics is a no-go for you,” he said.

The NYSC D-G recommended corps members to participate in personal and group Community Development Service (CDS) initiatives that would help improve the living conditions of the people in their host areas.

He also advised them to avoid other risky engagements that might expose them to security threats wherever they were assigned.

“Risky activities such as staying up late, attending late-night parties, visiting dangerous places, and accepting free car rides from unknown motorists should be avoided.”

“At all times, you should be good ambassadors for the NYSC, your families, and your graduating institutions.”

“As a result, you must be wary of acts that can tarnish your image, particularly vices like drug abuse and trafficking, cybercrime, and advance fee fraud,” he said.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the closing ceremony was kept low-key in accordance with the Federal Government’s COVID-19 protocols.