The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed, has issued a stern warning to corps members, prohibiting them from undertaking night journeys during their service year. He emphasized that any corps member found traveling without proper authorization from the NYSC would face sanctions according to the NYSC bye-laws.
General Ahmed delivered this directive on Friday, August 30, while addressing the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream Two corps members and camp officials at the NYSC FCT Orientation Camp in Kubwa, Abuja.
In a statement released by Caroline Embu, the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations at the NYSC, the director-general highlighted the risks associated with night travels and instructed corps members to end any essential journey by 6:00 PM, resuming it the next day.
He advised, “When traveling, if it is 6 PM, stop wherever you are and find a safe place such as a military barrack, police station, or a Corps Lodge to spend the night. Continue your journey the following day. I urge you to remain disciplined throughout your service year, be security conscious, and strictly adhere to NYSC bye-laws.”
General Ahmed also encouraged the corps members to follow all camp regulations, foster positive relationships, respect differing opinions, and actively participate in camp activities.
During the event, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Mariya Mahmood, declared the orientation course open, affirming the FCT administration’s ongoing support for the NYSC. Represented by Abdullahi Ango, the Mandate Secretary of the Youth Development Secretariat, Dr. Mahmood urged corps members to serve as exemplary representatives of their families and the nation.
She also advised them to engage in the NYSC’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme (SAED), which aims to equip them with the skills necessary for self-employment.
The NYSC FCT Coordinator, Mrs. Winifred Shopeka, reported that 2,557 corps members, including 1,098 males and 1,459 females, have been registered for the orientation exercise. She noted that the corps members have adapted well to the regimented camp life and are eager to contribute to the development of the FCT.
Mrs. Shopeka praised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for providing a conducive environment for the successful hosting of the orientation course. She also reminded corps members to maintain discipline and warned against engaging in negative behaviors such as drug abuse and other anti-social activities, stating that such conduct would not be tolerated throughout the service year.
The Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Huseini Baba Yusuf, represented by Justice Mustapha Adamu, administered the Oath of Allegiance to the new corps members, marking the formal beginning of their service year.
