The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has
warned prospective corps members for the 2021 Batch ‘C’ Stream Two Orientation Course against resuming at the camp with a fake COVID-19 document for registration.
Its Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim,who gave the warning during a live webinar jointly hosted by the scheme and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in preparation for the 2021 Batch ‘C’ Stream Two Orientation Course, said that anyone caught with a fake COVID-19 document in camp would be handed over to the law enforcement agents for prosecution.
The DG, in a statement by Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi, Director, Press and Public Relation,added that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of all NYSC Orientation Camps across the country.
“Ensure that you are a good and law-abiding citizen. If you violate COVID-19 safety guidelines, we have COVID-19 vanguard in camp and you will be decamped”, he said.
He implored all camp participants to get the COVID-19 vaccine before coming to camp and also be prepared to undergo the COVID-19 test, adding that only those that test negative would be allowed entry into the camp, while those that test positive would be handed over to NCDC officials for treatment and management.
According to him,the scheme has been in partnership with the National Primary Healthcare Agency and State Ministries of Health on the safe conduct of Orientation Courses.
He advised the prospective corps members to avoid night journeys while going to camp, urging them to break their journey if it will take them beyond 6 pm and counselled them to pass the night in NYSC Secretariat, military barracks, Corps Lodge or other safe places.
The Director-General who added that NYSC had completed seven Orientation Exercises since the outbreak of COVID-19 also warned the prospective corps Members against the negative use of social media.
Speaking,the Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa,emphasized the need for corps members to adhere to all COVID-19 safety measures.
He said:”Take personal responsibility and act collectively to ensure your safety and others. Make use of every opportunity in and out of the camp to get the vaccine. Wear your facemasks in camp, avoid large gatherings, maintain social distance between you and the next person”.
The NCDC Project Lead on Safe Camp Reopening, Dr Ladun Okunromade said all hands must be on deck to ensure that Orientation Camps meet the necessary key performance indicators.
She commended NYSC Management for compliance with all the COVID-19 safety measures, adding that NCDC would continue to support the Scheme.
