Gov. Uzodimma donates coaster bus to NYSC in Imo

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has donated a coaster bus to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to support the activities of the scheme in the state.

Mr Jimba Chris, the NYSC Coordinator in Imo announced this during the 2021 Corps Employers Workshop organised by the scheme in Owerri on Wednesday.Chris who described the state government as one of the largest Corps employers in the state thanked the governor for the donation and urged other Corps employers to toe the same path. 

” We commend the places of primary assignment for taking care of our corps members in spite of increasing insecurity and other challenges in the state. ”  As a way of supporting and appreciating the NYSC, the state governor has released a coaster bus to the scheme, a gesture which we are grateful for, ” he said.In a keynote address, Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, Director-General of the NYSC said that the goals of the scheme could only be achieved through sustained efforts of all stakeholders. 

Ibrahim who was represented by Mr Ben Chendo from the NYSC South-East Area Office, Enugu, expressed hope  that the workshop would serve as an an avenue for exchange that would enable corps members render best services. Speaking on the theme: “Optimising the NYSC / Corps Employers Partnership for National Development in the Context of the New Normal”, Ibrahim thanked corps employers for continuing to care for them.  

He however warned that employers found guilty of inappropriate conduct towards corps members would be properly sanctioned. ” It is rather unfortunate that some corps employers have under-utilised corps members, delayed issuance of monthly clearance to deserving corps members, exposed them to COVID-19 risks and  rejected corps members sent to them, among others. ” Others have refused to provide statutory welfare needs of corps members such as modest accommodation, transport and medical allowances as well as other provisions that engender productivity. 

” We urge you to look into these in today’s deliberations with a view to changing the narrative as the scheme will not hesitate to sanction employers who are found wanting.” he said.One of the corps employers, Mr Charles Orji, Principal of St Carol Fountain Schools, Ulakwo, Owerri, thanked the NYSC for organising the workshop and called for it to be more regular “to enable stakeholders keep up with the new normal.”Also, Chief Leo Unanka, Proprietor of St. Michaels Catholic Secondary School, Akabor, called on the NYSC to synchronise posting of corps members with  requests made by employers according to the desired discipline for better productivity.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by notable patrons of the scheme in the state including Eze Felix Ononuju, traditional ruler of Awa Autonomous Community, Oguta LGA among others. (NAN)