Corps members have been advised not to endanger their lives by embarking on unauthorized journeys as records have shown that the majority of Corps members that have lost their lives have been due to road crashes.
The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim stated this while addressing the 2019 Batch 'B' Stream ll Corps members deployed to Oyo State at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp Iseyin. He informed the Corps members that their safety is of utmost priority to the management of the Scheme.
He told the Corps members that as measures to avoid casualties from such unauthorized trips, they are compelled to obtain permission from the appropriate authority before embarking on any journey.
Giving an instance of religious bodies travelling outside the local government for activities. He said that henceforth vehicles belonging to the three recognized religious groups (NACC, NCCF, MCAN) should be under the State Coordinator's custody and can only embark on a journey upon the approval of the State Coordinator. " The Scheme and your parents have expended so much on you and need returns from such investment".
Speaking further on the safety and security of the Corps members, the NYSC boss admonished them to be security conscious while ensuring that someone knows their whereabouts at any given time. To the female Corps members, he warned them to refrain from living a lifestyle that would tarnish their image, that of their family and the Scheme. "Respect your dignity because in poverty there is dignity".
On the use of Social media, the DG cautioned the Corps members on the need to verify the authenticity of any information before posting. He emphasized that Corps members should always post issues that promote unity. While they should not allow themselves to be used to circulate hate speeches.
The NYSC boss further appealed to the Corps members to adhere to the Acts establishing NYSC and the Bye-Law. Stating that anyone who breaches the law would be dealt with accordingly. "You must be disciplined and shun any act of criminality".
Brigadier General S. Ibrahim, equally urged the Corps members to embrace the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development program, stating that they are required to acquire a skill that will empower them during and after the Service year.
The Director-General in his address reminded the Corps members that the Service year is a period to impact positively in the lives of the host communities through the Community Development Service. He implored them to be focused and participate fully in all the four cardinal programs of the NYSC Scheme.
The NYSC boss while addressing the NYSC officials, reiterated that the welfare of the staff remains sacrosanct. He urged the staff to desist from any form of extortion, stating that disciplinary action would be taken against any staff who extort Corps members. The DG specifically warned the officials from engaging in hate speech and petition writing based on falsehood. Rather they should be their brother's keeper and always reflect on what good one would be remembered for.
While on tour of Camp facilities, the Director-General was intimated with some of the challenges being faced at the Camp by the State Coordinator Eniola Ambekemo. On the entourage of the DG was the Acting Director Special duties Mr James Afolayan.
