As the 2025 Batch ‘A’ (Stream I) Orientation Course draws to a close, the State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, Ondo State, Mrs. Kuburat Omowunmi Bakare has debriefed Corps Members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare-Akoko on Monday.
Addressing the Corps Members, Bakare commended them for their discipline and cooperation throughout the orientation period. She urged them to carry the same spirit into the next phase of their service year at their various Places of Primary Assignment.
"You are now representatives of your families, institutions of graduation and the NYSC Scheme. Let discipline be your watchword and ensure your conduct brings pride, not reproach, to the Scheme and the nation".
The Coordinator reminded the corps members of the need to report promptly to their places of primary assignment, obtain acceptance letters and submit same to their Local Government Inspectors for proper documentation. While discouraging unsolicited rejection from employers, she advised that any official rejection should be reported to the Local Government Inspector, who will initiate reposting promptly.
The NYSC Ondo State boss also stressed that corps members are entitled to local allowances and accommodation at their places of primary assignment or payment in lieu, and encouraged them to participate actively in Community Development Service which forms a vital part of the NYSC programme. She highlighted the opportunity for personal CDS projects which will attract State or Presidential Honours Awards.
On relocation, she instructed relocated corps members to monitor their dashboards and respond promptly to relocation approvals. She added that relocation remains an ongoing process, and procedures are outlined on the corps members’ dashboards.
Emphasising decorum and responsible use of social media, the Coordinator warned corps members against posting NYSC-related matters online or speaking to the press without authorisation. She condemned anti-social behaviours such as cybercrime, drug abuse, and all forms of social deviance, stressing that such acts will not be tolerated.
She reminded corps members that clearance from their employers and biometric verification are prerequisites for the payment of monthly allowance. She also encouraged them to take advantage of the post-camp phase of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, noting that it equips corps members with valuable skills for self-reliance
Regarding travel, the Chief Executive Officer of the Scheme in the State, emphasised that no corps member is permitted to travel outside the state without written approval of the State Coordinator, while international travel requests must be routed to the Director-General of NYSC. She also advised corps members to prioritise their safety, avoid night travel, move in pairs, and maintain regular communication with NYSC officials.
To ensure safe transit after camp closure, the State Coordinator assured that vehicles would be available to convey corps members to their destinations, accompanied by their respective LGIs.
She concluded by encouraging the corps members to uphold the ideals of the NYSC and contribute meaningfully to their host communities.
The three Corps Camp Directors were honoured with Letters of Commendation for their selfless service during the orientation course.
ALWAYS PRIORITY CORPS MEMBERS WELFARE
- Coordinator charges Field Officers
The State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Scheme in Ondo State, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare has charged the Field Officers to ensure that corps members' welfare remains their priority.
The State Coordinator made the charge while addressing the Local Government and Zonal Inspectors at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko.
Bakare said that the responsibility of the Inspectors does not end with routine postings of corps members and biometric capturing on a monthly basis, but they should see to their welfare which cut across monthly stipends, accommodation as well as mental health at their various places of primary assignment.
She implored them to intensify inspection to corps employers, as this will give them the opportunity to address challenges facing corps members, saying that inspection to rural and remote areas should take precedence over township inspection.
"As Field Officers, it is mandatory for you to be resident in your various Local Governments of service. By this arrangement, prompt action would be taken on any issue relating to your corps members. In as much as we want members of the service corps to live in their host communities, it behoves on us as locus parentis for them to do such.
The State Coordinator decried the attitude of some corps employers who had erroneous impression that they are doing corps members a favour by accepting their services, but in actual fact, the corps members are the ones assisting many employers to grow and develop their organisation.
The NYSC Ondo State boss said that the Scheme would no longer condone the excesses of some corps employers but will blacklist such as soon as the Secretariat has verifiable information and cogent reasons to do so.
On the activities of some field officers, which she described as unbecoming of a responsible public servant, Bakare warned that appropriate sanctions would be meted out to erring officers in line with the Public Service Rule.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I want to acknowledge your sacrifices to make these patriotic graduate youths responsible leaders that we can hand over the rein of administration to in the nearest future, but it beats my imagination that few people among you are not working in tandem with laid down rules and regulations. This is most unfortunate, and the management can no longer fold its arms and watch the situation degenerate".
She further disclosed that the Secretariat has a mechanism for checks and balances, which will expose any under-hand dealings of the recalcitrant officers, saying that the system in operation was foolproof.
She reminded them of their responsibilities towards NYSC stakeholders, especially the corps members, and appealed to them to be up and doing in order to justify their earnings.
She directed that henceforth, routine monitoring and effective supervision should be carried out and monthly reports be made to appropriate quarters, as this will give the management insight to corps members overall well-being wherever they are posted in all the nooks and crannies of the state.
"A word is enough for the wise, and as you continue to work for your wages, I need to remind you that no matter how long it may be, the law will catch up with whosoever is not doing the right thing but my prayer is that you will continue to build on what the founding fathers established, and not someone or group of people to destroy the foundation solidly built 52 years ago" she concluded.
The Assistant Director/Head, Corps Inspection and Monitoring, Mr. James Olukayode Amusan reeled out the new guidelines for monthly biometric verification exercise, and urged the field officers to adhere strictly to it.
He said that the management would no longer accept excuses for not rendering reports as and when due, insisting that reports should be submitted to the Corps Inspection and Monitoring on or before the 15th of every month.
In his contribution, the Assistant Director/Head, Corps Welfare and Health Services Branch, Mr. Kehinde Oyeniyi Lawal appealed to the officers to report promptly the health challenge of any of their corps members to appropriate authorities and also monitor their progress.
He observed with dismay the lackadaisical and carefree attitude of some field officers towards Monitoring the progress of their corps members, saying that NYSC has put on their shoulders, responsibilities, they must not fail to carry out.
The Field Officers appreciated the State Coordinator and the management for the confidence reposed in them and promised not to let the Scheme down.
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