Covid-19: Read FG’s Plan for Unvaccinated Corps Members

Brig.Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim,  NYSC Director-General

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged unvaccinated corps members to get the COVID-19 vaccine by Dec. 1, in compliance with the Federal Government directive so as to prevent them from being turned away from government establishments.

Brig.Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, the NYSC Director-General, made the call at the Swearing-In Ceremony of the 2021 Batch ‘C’ Stream I set of corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Kubwa-FCT, on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Oct. 14, the federal government declared Dec. 1, as the deadline for civil servants to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Civil servants will from Dec. 1, be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result before gaining access to their offices.
Ibrahim, who was represented by Mr Suleiman Abdul, the NYSC FCT Coordinator, urged the corps members to get vaccinated as the rules may apply to them in the course of their primary assignments.

“As you may be aware, the FG has announced plans to make a presentation of evidence of COVID-19 vaccination by civil servants as a prerequisite for gaining entry to public offices from Dec. 1, 2021.

“I, therefore, encourage those of you who are yet to take the vaccine to do so without further delay as the rule could apply to corps members in places of primary assignment.

“A greater significance is the fact that the vaccine will keep you safe. We are already in touch with relevant authorities with the view to ensuring that the vaccines are made available to you in the course of this programme.

“I commend the efforts of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, whose support and guidance to the scheme have continued to facilitate the safe and efficient conduct of the orientation course amidst the pandemic.”

 Ibrahim said that the NCDC particularly, has continually made available Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits and sensitisation materials for usage in all orientation camps.
Ibrahim also commended the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the TY Danjuma Foundation, state ministries of health, federal and state tertiary health institutions for their support in the area of COVID-19 prevention and general health services.

He said that as a launchpad for the service year, the orientation course was to prepare corps members physically and mentally for their contribution to the progress and development of the country.
Ibrahim said that it was also to equip them to realise their potential.

“Highlights of the camp activities will include lessons on the four cardinal programmes of the NYSC; leadership coaching, paramilitary drills, and other physical training.

“You are expected to avail yourself of the unique opportunity by participating actively in all the aforementioned programmes.

“The scheme deliberately posts corps members away from their states of origin to broaden their understanding of the country for effective contribution to the promotion of national unity and integration.

“I urge you to ensure healthy interactions, exchange ideas and build a lasting friendship to advance the progress of a United Nigeria.” He said.