128 corps members get service extension in Enugu, Ebonyi

From Chinedu Nwafor Abakaliki

A total of 128 batch ‘B’ Stream ‘1’ Corps members are to repeat service in Enugu and Ebonyi States.

While 96 of them are affected in Enugu, 32 are affected in Ebonyi State.

The Enugu State National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) coordinator, Sam Ujogu and his counterpart in Ebonyi, Mrs Bamai Mercy, disclosed this during passing out ceremony of the Corps members on Thursday.

The Enugu State Coordinator, Mr Ujogu further disclosed that another 19 corps members who absconded from service would be re-mobilised afresh whenever they resurfaced, saying such sanctions were in line with the Bye-Laws of the NYSC scheme.

He said two corps members in the stream died in a space of two days in the course of their national service.

According to Ujogu, Bayode Akinola Feranmi died on July 4, 2022 while swimming in a hotel pool in Enugu while Ilo Blessing Ngozi passed away on July 5, 2022 after a protracted struggle with breast cancer.

He said that the outgoing corps members acquitted themselves creditably during the service year.

“As you move ahead to assume greater responsibilities, do not forget the positive experiences you acquired during your service and stay in the state.

“In whatever position you find yourselves in the future, always endeavour to exhibit the discipline and selflessness inculcated in you by the NYSC scheme,” he said.

Ujogu commended the state government for its support and goodwill to the scheme.

He appealed for greater support from the state government to enable the management of the scheme in the state to address their needs.

 “We are in dire need of a utility vehicle that will enable us carry out inspection of corps members who are serving all over the state.

“We wish to remind the governor about your promise to renovate the orientation camp and to construct the access road to the camp,” Ujogu said.

In Ebonyi, State Coordinator, Mrs Bamai Mercy, at the passing out ceremony that was held at Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, said a total of 928 outgoing corps members deployed to the state, had contributed their quota to the fatherland for the past year.

She disclosed that 32 corps members comprising 15 males and 55 females would repeat the whole service year, while 12 others including 6 males and 66 females would serve an extension of service ranging from one to four months on half-pay

Bamai said that the offences of the corps members were ranging from abscondment from service to unauthorized journeys and other miscellaneous violations of the  NYSC rules, and expressed confidence that the punishment would serve as a deterrent to others.

She charged the ex-corps members to keep the NYSC Flag flying, by continuing to be good citizens of the scheme and the country at large.

She congratulated the 2021 Batch ‘B’ Stream ‘I’ Corps Members for the successful completion of their service year on a good note.

She commended the remarkable achievements of the corps members in their places of primary assignment as well as in the area of Community Development Services in the state.

“It is, therefore, my privilege to state without any fear of contradictions that they have performed creditably well, and thus deserve the honour being given to them today,”she said.

In his address, Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, said that his administration was committed to improving the welfare of corps members deployed to the state.

Represented  by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Chief Uwakwe Azikiwe, the governor said that the state government was appreciative of the contributions of the corps members to national development.

On the 2023 general elections, the governor appealed to the corps members to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) in order to participate in the electoral process.

“It is your right to vote and believe that your vote will count by making sure that your vote is communicated to the appropriate quarters,” he said

Also, Governor of Ebonyi State,  David Umahi, congratulated the outgoing corps members on their successful completion of the service year, and commended their positive impacts on the development of the state.

Represented by the State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Hon Charles Akpuenika, implored the outgoing Corps Members to remain steadfast in their commitment to the cause of nation-building while they pursue ways up to the ladder of life in the larger society.

“Ebonyi State congratulates you on your successful completion of the service year, which you enthusiastically responded to with patriotism, discipline and commitment over the past twelve months.

“I have no doubt, therefore, that your knowledge and diligence have impacted positively on the pupils, students, your host communities and establishments where you served.

“As you round off today, I wish to implore you to remain steadfast in your commitment to the cause of nation-building as you navigate and negotiate your ways up to the ladder of life in the larger society. I hold you in very high esteem as we share in the vision and aspiration for the greatness of our dear country Nigeria,” Umahi said.