The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatoye Durosinmi, has ordered the implementation of tighter security measures at the lodges of corps members serving in the state. The directive was given during the passing-out ceremony of the 2023 Batch A Stream II Corps members at the National Youth Service Orientation Camp, Nsit Atai Local Government Area.
In his speech, the Commissioner urged corps members to be security conscious, and avoid criminal activities that could tarnish their image while serving their fatherland. He further emphasized the need for them to cooperate with the law enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious movement around their lodges.
Meanwhile, the Governor of the state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, represented by Mr. Emmanuel Akpabio, Director of the Youth Development department in the Ministry of Youths and Sports, cautioned corps members against divisive tendencies and asked them to embrace a united approach to national issues. He also encouraged them to participate actively in the Community Development Service (CDS) programme and strive to coexist harmoniously with the host communities.
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, who was represented by the State Coordinator of NYSC in Akwa Ibom, Mrs. Chinyere Ekwe, urged corps members to take advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to empower themselves and be self-reliant. He also disclosed that the NYSC would partner with financial institutions and other stakeholders to provide start-up loans for corps members to actualize their dreams.
Furthermore, the Director-General repeatedly cautioned corps members to be vigilant and security conscious, particularly when traveling at night, and advised employers of corps members to ensure their welfare. He stressed that the NYSC would not condone any ill-treatment of corps members.
The Security beef-up at NYSC lodges is expected to take immediate effect, with more officers deployed to enhance security and safety within and around the lodges.
