Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, has doled out N7.25 million to support the transportation of 725 youth corps members of the 2021 Batch ‘B’ Stream I, who completed their service in the state on Thursday.

The governor also gave automatic employment to two members; Jemilu Akpah from Kogi, a physically challenged,
and Mary Aimuan from Edo, who won the prestigious NYSC State Merit Award.

Bello, who spoke at the passing out ceremony of the batch at the Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja, promised to give N10,000 to each of the 725 outgoing NYSC members to support their transportation back to their various destinations.

The governor said that the automatic employment for Jemilu Akpah being a physically challenged; and Mary Aimuan, was for their contributions to the improvement of their host communities.

He thanked the outgoing NYSC members “for the sacrifices made toward uplifting the standard of peoples’ lives.

“Your specific contributions in Primary Health Care delivery services, provision of quality education and rural infrastructure and advocacy in Sustainable Development Goals were critical in fostering and promoting government’s transformation agenda.

“Your deployment to various communities must have endeared you to their custom and tradition and consequently
broadened your perception and understanding of the imperatives of a united Nigeria.

“Your post service aspirations should be toward making Nigeria a better place through selfless service, dedication to duty, honesty,
integrity and accountability.

“You should be good ambassadors of the scheme and spread the gospel of its good virtues,” Bello said.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Idris Musa, commennded the governor for creating enabling environment which ensured the safety and wellbeing of the youth corps members in the state.

Musa, who doubles as the Chairman NYSC Governing Board, urged corps members to continue to display the spirit of humility, patriotism and shun all vices that could adversely affect the image of the country.

Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Pastor Mrs. Mofoluwaso Williams, had commended the NYSC members for their contributions to national development through personal and group Community Service Development (CDS) projects.

She noted that the service year had exposed them to the core values of the NYSC scheme, anchored on patriotism, integrity, efficiency, commitment and teamwork.

She eulogised the corps members for their immense contribution to the critical sectors of the national economy visible in the nooks and crannies of the State, especially in Education, Agriculture and Health sectors.

She said “as you bow out from service today, it is important to reiterate the fact that the era of seeking only white collar jobs is over.

“I, therefore, admonish you to put to good use, the various skills that you have been impacted with through the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship
Development programme.”

In their separate comments, Akpah and Aimuan, thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve the state, describing it as a rare privilege.

Akpah, who is a writer, specifically commended the governor “for his love and passion for persons living with disabilities in the state.”

End

Fadah gave the advice on Tuesday at the Swearing-in ceremony of the 2022 Batch ‘B’ Stream l Corps members at NYSC Orientation camp in Asaya in Kabba Local Government Area of Kogi.

Represented by NYSC Coordinator for Kogi, Pastor Mrs Mofoluwasho Williams, the director general also enjoined the corps members to continue to distance themselves from cultism, drug abuse and other social vices.

Fadah implored them to avoid using social media for spreading fake news, fuelling hatred and other negative purposes.

He further advised the corps members to deploy their energy and time for the promotion of national unity and development, and sustain high level of discipline and enthusiasm.

He encouraged them to avail themselves of the opportunities for self-employment offered through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme.

He called on Corps Employers and other stakeholders, to continue to support NYSC especially in areas of security and general welfare of Corps Members.

Speaking to journalists in her own capacity, the State Coordinator, advised the corps members against engaging in partisan politics during their service year, saying, ”it is an offence”.

She stressed that the federal government and the people of Nigeria have so much trust and confidence in corps members, hence their engagement as ad hoc staff during election.

”For Nigerians to continue to trust us, my corps members must remain non partisan at all times,” she said.

The Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Richard Olorunfemi, represented by Justice Samuel Obayomi, administered the oath of allegiance to 1,492 Corps members.

End

The Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General, Mohammed Fadah, advised corps members against engaging in partisan politics during their service year, saying, ”it is an offence”.

Fadah gave the advice on Tuesday at the Swearing-in ceremony of the 2022 Batch ‘B’ Stream l Corps members at NYSC Orientation camp in Asaya in Kabba Local Government Area of Kogi.

Represented by NYSC Coordinator for Kogi, Pastor Mrs Mofoluwasho Williams, the director general said it is an offence for corps members to engage in partisan politics especially in this election period.

He stressed that the federal government and the people of Nigeria have so much trust and confidence in corps members, hence their engagement as ad hoc staff during election.

”For Nigerians to continue to trust us, my corps members must remain non partisan at all times,” he said.

He urged the corps members to be security conscious at all times and report any suspicious characters or activities to the appropriate authorities.

The director general further enjoined them to continue to distance themselves from cultism, drug abuse and other social vices.

Fadah implored them to avoid using social media for spreading fake news, fuelling hatred and other negative purposes.

He advised the corps members to deploy their energy and time for the promotion of national unity and development, and sustain high level of discipline and enthusiasm.

He further encouraged the corps members to avail themselves of the opportunities for self-employment offered through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme.

He urged Corps Employers and other stakeholders, to continue to support NYSC especially in areas of security and general welfare of Corps Members.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chief Judge of Kogi State, Justice Richard Olorunfemi, represented by Justice Samuel Obayomi, administered the oath of allegiance to the Corps members.

End

By Stephen Adeleye

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Kogi chapter, has celebrated with His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello, on the occasion of his 47th Birthday Anniversary.

The NYSC members organised a colourful ceremony for the Governor with the display of Ebira cultural dance and presentation of Colanut, and Birthday card designed by the corps members.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Afolashade Ayoade, received the corps members on behalf of the governor, who honoured him as the ‘Youth Ambassador’.

Speaking at the event in Government House Lokoja on Saturday, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Pastor Mrs Mofoluwasho Williams, described Bello as ”a young and vibrant Governor and a father of corps members in the state”.

”When somebody is doing well you have to identify with the person and celebrate with him.

”The reason for NYSC coming here is to identify with our Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on the occasion of his birthday today.

”He is the father of the corps members in the state, and as his children, we have to identify with him on such an auspicious occasion,” she said.

Williams added that the corps members would also showcase the rich culture Ebira land, saying ”as you can see I am dressed in Ebira regalia and the corps members that displayed are not from Kogi.

”So it shows the dexterity of the corps members and that they are ready for any government assignment in the state.

”The youth are always excited about the antecedents of the Governor and have decided to honour him aa the Youth Ambassador”, she said.

In her response the SSG, Dr Afolashade Ayoade, who spoke on behalf of the governor, appreciated the corps members for the gesture, saying they were the first to give him such gift.

Ayoade expressed the governor’s delight to receive the corps members at the Government House, saying ”the governor is so elated and very happy about it”.

She described the governor as the youth Ambassador indeed, as he had ensured youth engagement, empowerment and involvement in governance.

She urged the NYSC to table all their requests for onward presentation to the governor, assuring them of urgent attention.

End

The National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) remains a tool for national integration which fosters national development and unity for the benefit of Nigerian youth.
This assertion was made by the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr Sunday Dare while Inaugurating the new NYSC Board for a 3 year tenure.

According to the Minister”I wish to use this unique occasion to once again affirm the satisfaction of the Federal Government with the achievements of the present Management of NYSC, which has enhanced the visibility of the Scheme. Accordingly, I commend the Director-General, the Management team, Staff and Corps members whose collective efforts resulted in the successes recorded. I expect that members of the Board will deploy the political influence at their disposal to strengthen all levels of engagements aimed at sustaining the legacies of the scheme through continuous engagement with policy makers at various levels.”

The Minister revealed the FG Commitment not to scrap the NYSC.
“The NYSC Scheme will be sustained. It has become an integral part of our national development and unity architecture. Nigerian youth continue to benefit from this scheme.
I consider it appropriate to use this forum to once again endorse the proposal made by stakeholders for the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund. I am confident that such an initiative will go a long way in strengthening the Scheme and deepen its impact. Therefore, I appeal to all and sundry to support the actualization of the proposal. As a sign of the Federal Government’s unflinching commitment to the NYSC, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the automatic employment of 10 direct siblings of the deceased NYSC members who lost their lives during the 2011 post-election violence in Bauchi State. Mr. President also approved appropriate scholarships to the four children of Mr. Adowei Elliot”, the Minister revealed.

The Chairman of the newly Inaugurated board Ambassador Fatima Balla Abubakar, thanked the President for all the support given to the board.
“On behalf of the Board, I promise that we will not fail you, we will do our best because of the confidence bestowed on us. As board members, we have always been conscious of the fact that we are one of the sensitive boards because we take care of the most sensitive segments of our population , the Nigerian youths. I also urge every board member to bring in their vast experience and expertise for the benefit of the board and Nigeria.”

The Newly Inaugurated board members are: Ambassador Fatima Balla Abubakar, chairman, Mrs. Binta Muazu, Maj. Gen. B O Sawyer, Architect Muhammad Sani Aliyu, Prof. Sulyman Abdulkareem,
Prince Oyekunle Oyewumi, Umar Yusuf Nalado, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi and Brig. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, DG NYSC.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved appointments into the National Governing Board of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Those appointed are: Ambassador Fatima Balla Abubakar as Chairman; Prince Oyekunle Oyewunmi, President’s Nominee; Mrs. Binta Muaza, President’s Nominee, Yusut Umar Nalado, President’s Nominee; Major Gen B.O. Sawyerr, Representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Commissioner of Police Ede Ayuba, Representing the Inspector General of Police; Architect Sani Aliyu, Representing the Committee of Rectors of Polytechnics; and Professor Sulyman A. Abdulkareem, Representing Committee of Vice Chancellors.

Their appointment is for three years.

The National Governing Board is the highest policy-making organ of the NYSC.

-Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. May. 21. 2021.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare has commended the rapid development that has taken place under the leadership of the Director General of the NYSC Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim.

Speaking in Abuja, Mr. Dare Pin-pointed the visibility and resonance the scheme had attained such as increased discipline of youth corp members and dedication to service in their places of primary assignments.

He also commended the commitment of the Federal Government in taking necessary measures leading to increament in the monthly allowances.

The Minister affirmed that President Muhamadu Buhari has the best interest of Nigerian youth at heart. He stated that about 45 youth targeted initiatives have been established and running in the last five and half years. “The Federal Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has seen the need to ratchet up the numbers of youth who are going to be benefiting from various schemes and policies. One of them is the Not too young to run scheme launched by Mr President about 2 years 3 months ago. We want the youth to be part and parcel of governance, that is why Mr. President lunched the scheme ‘Not too young to run’. They should run for offices in various capacities because they are the Leaders of today to be tutored into becoming better leaders tomorrow”, the Minister concluded

Signed

Media Office to the  Minister of  Youth and Sports Development

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi on Monday advised the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to the state to exhibit much sincerity and loyalty to the nation during their service year.

Bello gave the advise at the swearing-in ceremony of the ‘2019 Batch ‘C’ Stream 2’ corps members deployed to the state at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Asaya, Kabba.

”Gentlemen Corps members, you have just displayed maximum loyalty before the Judge few minutes ago, you are to uphold this promised loyalty to the nation.

”By implication, you are expected exhibit much sincerity and during your service year.

”Over the years, the NYSC Scheme has lived towards its expectations in nation building assignment.

”Little wonder, the scheme is noted to be the most enduring youth organization with the mandate of transforming youths into leaders of integrity.

”May I congratulate you all on the various academic success that has informed your mobilization for this batch of the service year.

”I felicitate with your Parents and Guardians who have laboured to ensure success out of your academic pursuits,” Bello said.

The governor, who was represented by the state’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Sani Ogu-Salisu, commended the nationalistic spirit of the serving corps members who have contributed much to the nation in recent past.

He noted that the nationalistic spirit was recently displayed when the serving corps members in collaboration with INEC, participated in election processes in the state recently.

”In Kogi State, our youth corps members have regularly received good motivation to enable them contribute to state’s development in education, infrastructure, rural health and social mobilization and sensitizations”.

He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to ensure the welfare and security of corps members serving in the state, saying ”Kogi is a safe Haven for you all during your primary and secondary assignments”.

Earlier, Mr Olayiwola Lasaki, the State Coordinator of NYSC, said the orientation course would equip the corps members with practical, social and leadership skills required for the challenges of the service year.

Lasaki said that the Orientation Course for corps members was an avenue in which they were taken through the basic tenets of the scheme.

He added that it equipped the corps members to be prepared physically and psychologically for the great task of nation building, integration and national development.

”I am happy to report that these corps members before us this morning are ready for the task ahead of them”, he said.

Lasaki commended the governor for the support extended to the scheme and the corps members, while thanking all the collaborating agencies for their support and understanding.

The Kogi State Chief Judge, Justice Nasiru Ajanah, who was represented by Justice Samuel Obayomi, administered the Oath of Allegiance for the 1000 Batch ‘C’ Stream 2 corps members.

Speaking to journalists after meeting with the corps members and camp officials at the camp’s auditorium, the Minister said “part of the next level agenda is that we live in a 21st century economy, driven by digital technology, we’ve found out that there’s a digital skills gap in Nigeria and Africa, there’s need to equip our youth and graduates with that extra digital skill so that they can be competitive when they get to the job market. We need to make them more employable because the question of employability is critical, so the ministry has conceived of a program called DY.NG, Digital Youth Nigeria, for digital literacy and digital skills acquisition, and in the next few weeks, we are going to roll out, we have 64 digital hubs across the country, we are going to activate 4 other youth enterprise centres, 4 in each geo-political zones and we hope that our youth can benefit from that”.

Also disclosing plans for the corps members, he said they will graduate into a 2 month program after which they will get certificates in various digital skills to improve their employability.

The Minister added that the Ministry’s programs on youth development have become imperative considering the population of youth in the country. “When you look at the sheer population of youth in this country almost 68 to70 million, you also look at the percentage of unemployment and the large number of those that are unemployed are the youth. You look at the projections even by the United Nations. There’s an agenda 2030 to empower our youths. You know that the greatest resource that this country has that needs to be harnessed is its youth. We say the youths are the leaders of tomorrow but if you don’t train them today, if you don’t equip them today, they cannot lead tomorrow”.

“We have a passion for youth development, in the areas of skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, employment creation, leadership and mentoring”, he said, adding that the Ministry is in partnership with some Federal Ministries and the Central Bank of Nigeria to achieve all of the Ministry’s vision for youth development.

Signed
Media Office of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development.