Corps Members Warm Up For Parade

In less than one week to the Passing-Out ceremony, the 2009 Batch “B” Corps members are warming up to see the day that marks the end of their one year of compulsory service to the nation.

The National Headquarters of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Abuja has announced Thursday, 24 June as the Passing-Out ceremony for the corps members.

Campus Square’s investigations revealed that the out-going corps members have started counting days. This was observed during the lecture series organised for the corps members by the Lagos State chapter of NYSC at the orientation training camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos State.

The lectures, which centred on job creation and opportunity, was meant to sensitise corps members on how to become economically independent after service.

The expectation was very high as some of the elated corps members in Lagos camp shared their experiences with Campus Square.

Prince Naley Alobari from Rivers State said his stay in Lagos for the past one year has been wonderful, noting that God has been helpful.

He said: “The passing-out lecture has taught me how to be economically independent without depending on government or white collar jobs. It has also equipped me with skills needed to be self-employed.”

Another corps member, Chika, a graduate of Benue State University (UNIBEN), said serving in Lagos has broaden her mindset about many things, especially in her place of primary assignment. She said: “It is better than staying at home for a year without doing anything serious.”

To Ernest Anies, a graduate of Economics from University of Uyo, serving in Lagos is quite interesting and expensive, especially in the area of transportation and accommodation, considering the federal and state government allowances for the corps members.

He, therefore, called on the NYSC to make it mandatory for any establishment requesting for members to provide accommodation, adding that money should be given to corps members in a situation where there is no accommodation.

Meanwhile, Campus Square learnt that the passing-out activities have not fully started in Kano State due to the three day North/West NYSC SERVICOM seminar that ended today at the state NYSC Orientation camp, Kusalla Dam, Karaye.

The seminar, which had in attendance the Director-General of the scheme, Brigadier-General Maharazu Tsiga, was meant to train the NYSC officials.

A source close to the NYSC Kano State coordinator, Mr. Shomefun Kolawole, said activities for the passing-out ceremony will commence on Monday.