Don’t engage in community politics, NYSC warns corps members

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has advised corps members against participating in the politics of their host communities.

Namadi Abubakar, Bauchi state coordinator of the scheme, gave the warning on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the batch C stream 1 orientation course.

Abubakar, who represented Shuaibu Ibrahim, NYSC’s director-general (DG), also advised the corps members to be security-conscious at all times as they proceed to their places of primary assignments.

He said in integrating into their host communities, corps member must abide by the bye-laws of the scheme and steer clear of acts that can cause them harm.

“In keeping with the objectives of the scheme, you are expected to integrate into your host communities while also appreciating and respecting their cultures,” he said.

“I must, however, emphasise that engagement in their local politics is a ‘no-go-area’ for you.

“As you proceed to your locations of primary assignments, I urge you to be security-conscious at all times.

“Steer clear of acts that can put you in harm’s way such as staying out late, attendance of night parties, visits to dangerous places, and acceptance of automobile rides from strangers.”

Abubakar also enjoined the corps members to develop the skills they have acquired during the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.

He said the scheme is taking steps to liaise with financial stakeholders to provide start-up loans for corps members in view of actualising their businesses.

“On our part, we are liaising with financial institutions and other stakeholders with a view to providing start-up loans to enable you to actualise your business dreams,” he said.

“I wish to assure you that management will continue to explore avenues for optimising the impact of the programme.”