NYSC extends service period of 30 corps members in Ebonyi

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has extended the service period of 30 corps members in Ebonyi as a punitive measure for violating regulations governing the scheme.

The NYSC Coordinator in the state, Mrs Gladys Mbachi, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Abakaliki during the passing-out parade ceremony of the corps members.

“The corps members who travelled without permission for instance would have their service period extended,’’ she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 2, 331 corps members completed their service year in the state.

“We have been conducting low-key passing-out ceremonies for some years but we have presently reverted to the normal way of conducting it,’’ Mbachi said.

Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi also congratulated the corps members for successfully completing their one-year service to the nation and commended their spirit of patriotism.

Umahi, represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Francis Nwifuru, said the corps members impacted positively on the lives of Ebonyi people in their various communities of posting.

“Our people would never forget you as your selfless and diligent efforts have contributed to rural development and overall nation-building,’’ he said.

He said his administration would continue to hold the NYSC scheme in high esteem and invest in all its programmes.

“This is to engender and promote Ebonyi youths; the consciousness of wealth creation; sustainable development and self-reliance which the scheme epitomises.

“You must, however, be reminded that though the service year has ended, the task of nation-building continues with its emerging challenges.

“You must be prepared to surmount these challenges in order to build an ideal and enviable Nigeria of our collective dream,’’ he said.

The State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Charles Akpuenika, advised the corps members to shun all forms of negative tendencies in their future endeavours.

NAN reports that five corps members received state awards for outstanding performance during the service year, with Miss Gift Olorunshola from Ondo State emerging the overall best corps member.

Miss Peace Mbanasa from Abia and Emmanuel Taiwo from Kwara emerged second and third-best overall corps members respectively.