In recent times, a growing number of members of the National Youths Service Corps Service have been turning their uniforms into different shapes they consider trendy. To them, it is a mater of fashion and taste. But that may no more be feasible as the management of the scheme as read out the Riot Act to them.
According to the NYSC DG, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, anyone caught doing so will now be severely dealt with.
“As a parent, it is always my joy to see you adorn in NYSC uniform and then giving your selfless service to the nation but many of you are daily abusing the privilege by giving a bad image to our national identity with your indecent dressing.
“This administration will not allow you to continue what you are doing. It makes me sad when I see a corps member wearing NYSC uniform with other combinations. This has to stop and I am going to be personally involved in the crusade.”
He also warned corps members to shun frivolous journeys during the service year.
The DG gave the warning while addressing corps members at the NYSC Ondo State Zonal Office during his visit there
Shuaibu, who is the 18th DG of the scheme, said the management was uncomfortable with the careless attitude of some members of the service corps.
His words: “My dear children in the national service, it has become worrisome that some of you embark on journeys which ordinarily you should not engage in. This trend has raised the public outcry on the avoidable deaths corps members are exposed to.
The DG, who once served as military assistant to past directors generals between 1996 and 1999, said that NYSC would henceforth take drastic measures against any erring an corps members who flouted the rules and regulations in line with the NYSC’s bye-law.
“Let me sound a note of warning that the management of the scheme both at the Directorate Headquarters and State Secretariats will no longer condone any act of lawlessness and will henceforth mete out appropriate sanctions to those who refuse to abide by the code of conduct as provided for in the NYSC Bye-Law”
Furthermore, he charged the corps members to take their personal security with utmost concern.
“The challenges we are facing is multi-dimensional and I want to implore you to take your personal security seriously. Do not leave your places of primary assignment or your residence without informing your colleagues about your whereabouts and endeavour to let your friends know where you are at every point in time.
“NYSC has given you printed documents that contain the names and contacts of all security agencies within your local government of service. Please get in touch with any of the agencies in case of any security threat or breach and I am confident that you will be adequately protected.
“On our part, we shall continue to make your security and welfare sacrosanct,” the DG said.
