No fewer than 11 National Youths Service Corps members of 2021 Batch “A”, Stream II have had their service extended, while seven others have absconded out of the 683 who completed their one-year service in Gombe.
Addressing participants at Gombe Stadium, Pantami, State Coordinator of NYSC, Ada Imoni, revealed that the measures were taken after erring members faced the corps disciplinary committee.
Imoni said, “A total of 683 corps members are set to pass out today for 2021 batch A stream II service year, out of which seven absconded and 11 got an extension of service for various offences committed, after facing the corps disciplinary committee.
“Let me put on record that while the scheme rewards hard work to serve as a morale booster. It also disciplines erring corps members to serve as a deterrent to others. I, therefore, call on other serving corps members to adhere to the rules and regulations guiding the operations of the scheme at all times.”
Imoni called on the corps members to uphold the aspiration of the scheme by creating jobs for themselves instead of waiting for white-collar opportunities, stressing that the soon-to-be-signed Trust fund would empower them.
“At the moment, the NYSC is hopeful that the NYSC Trust Fund Bill gets assent of the president, Muhammadu Buhari, in order to provide start-up capital for corps members after passing out to enable them to establish businesses for self-reliance.
While we pray, the scheme will continue to equip corps members with necessary skills for self-reliance through the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme,” Imoni added.
Also speaking, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, said the scheme has continued to build bridges, adding that it has entrenched tolerance and unity which are hallmarks of NYSC.