ODAHIEKWU OGUNDE, YENAGOA
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has sanctioned 15 corps members out of the 1,831 that participated in the 2021 Batch B, Stream 1 service year in Bayelsa State.
The State Coordinator, NYSC, Mr Adamu Jiya, stated this on Thursday at Peace Park in Yenagoa, the state capital, during the passing-out parade for successful corps members.
Jiya said the 15 errant corps members were punished for absenteeism and abscondment.
According to him, seven ‘corpers’ had their service year extended due to absenteeism, while eight are to start service afresh for absconding from the compulsory national assignment.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, reassured the NYSC of his government’s continued support for the scheme to achieve its set objectives in the state.
Diri pledged the administration’s commitment to improved welfare and security of corps members posted to the state for the mandatory one-year service.
He said Bayelsa ranked among the best in terms of monthly remuneration and other welfare packages for youth corps members because of the importance the state government accords to the national civic duty.
Describing the scheme as the shining light of the nation, which boasts of highly educated and patriotic youths, he said the NYSC represented the country’s hope for a united, peaceful and egalitarian society.
He charged the corps members to remain diligent and patriotic, and to avoid actions that would bring shame to themselves, their families and the NYSC Scheme.
According to the Governor, Bayelsa is home to all Nigerians, and therefore, encouraged the corps members who had just completed their national service, that they were at liberty to stay back in the state to pursue their personal and legitimate goals.
He charged them to make the best use of the vocational skills they had acquired during their service year and be good ambassadors of Bayelsa State wherever they go.