Osun Nysc Hosts South West, Edo States Sports And Cultural Festival

NYSC has once again been lauded for being able to take a giant stride towards national integration and unity as well as recognition of excellence in sportsmanship. 

This was contained in different addresses of speakers at the opening session of the NYSC zonal preliminaries held at Permanent Orientation Camp, Ẹdẹ, Osun State on Wednesday which participating states are Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo, Oyo and Edo. 

The event was presided over by the Chairman NYSC State Governing Board and Hon. Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Azeez Lawal Olayemi, who in his address at the flag off ceremony of the competition, called on all the Contingents to keep in mind the purpose of the initiative even as they compete against their counterparts from neighbouring States. 

He further stated that the NYSC Scheme since inception has come up with laudable programs geared towards the achievement of unity and integration in the country and therefore urged the participants to compete fairly and healthily. 

In his speech, Osun State Coordinator, Mr Ayodele Adegoke urged corps members to take good advantage of the sports and cultural festival to boost their skills and work toward attaining greatness.

The Director NYSC Southwest Area Office, Mrs Akin-Moses Olufunmilayo enjoined corps members to be friendly with one another via platform provided for them through the scheme.

The Vice Chancellor, Adeleke University Prof. Solomon Adebola who was represented by the University Librarian Prof. Uloma Unuoha, said that the scheme will further assist corps members to integrate, learn about cultural background of other tribes and sharpen their sporting skills through the competition.

Prof. A. P Yerima, the representative of the vice chancellor of the Redeemer's University stated that one of the aims and objectives of the NYSC scheme to bring about Unity is being actualized through the competition. He however, appealed to all the six participating States to embrace the games with sportsmanship spirit as there will always be winners and losers.

The opening ceremony witnessed presence of dignitaries from different walks of life which included, but not limited to the NYSC Governing Board Chairman and Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Lawal Azeez Olayemi, the Commander Engineer Construction Ẹdẹ, Brigadier-General N. Yakubu ably represented by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant Colonel I.O Erhabor, the acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports, Mrs. Taiwo Oladunjoye, , Vice chancellor, Adeleke University, Professor Solomon Adebola represented by Professor Uloma Onuoha the University Librarian, Vice chancellor, Redeemer's University, Professor Enito Akilo represented by Professor A.P Yerima, Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ede Doctor Ade Kolawole Taiwo ably represented by Doctor Omotosho O.S (jnr), the Dean of Students Affairs, Director Youth, Ministry of Youths and Sports, Mrs. Olagunju Caroline, Director, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Sola Akinsola (chief Judge of the competition). 

The line-up of event for the competition include: football for male corps members, volleyball for females, athletics 100 and 200 metres for male and female, comedy, dance and drama.

Mrs Olawale Enlightens Corps members on The Rewards Attached To Discipline

Mrs Olawale Veronica of the Corps Discipline and Reward Branch has enlightened Corps Members on the rewards attached to been disciplined, hardworking and productive during the service year.

She made this known at the ongoing orientation course for the 2021 Batch B stream 2 corps members at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede on Monday.

Mrs Olawale spoke about the Branch's responsibility to enforce discipline on Corps Members based on the NYSC Bye-Laws, which erring Corps Members are tried with. She therefore instructed them to always be cautious to avoid facing the disciplinary committee during the service year.

Furthermore, she informed them of the Camp Court, a committee set up in camp to handle infractions by Corps Members and also the disciplinary committee constituted to try erring corps members after the orientation. "Those present at the trial would include zonal inspector, Corps Welfare and Health Services, account branch, corps lawyers, and the Community Development Services," she added.

Addressing Corps Members on offenses that can attract extension of the service year, Mrs. Olawale listed a number of them, such as traveling without permission, induced rejection from PPA, insubordination, political participation, and speaking to the press, among others. 

She warned Corps Members against the likelihood of being labeled abscondees if they are absent from their PPA for three consecutive months, and the repercussions it would attract.

Finally, she listed the three types of awards given to Corps Members who perform outstandingly well during their service year, which are the Chairman's, State  and Presidential honors award thereby encouraging them to strive to do their best, so that they may be eligible for one of such awards.

FEDPOFFA: Dr (Mrs) Ogungbamigbe elected Dean, SCI

It was a moment of pomp and pageantry as Dr. (Mrs) Oluwakemi Omoniyi Ogungbamigbe was declared winner of Deanship election in School of Communication and Information Technology of Federal Polytechnic, Offa.

The election which took place on Tuesday, 14th of September, 2021 had two other contestants from the other two departments in the school Mrs. Mulika Bola Aliyu of Department of Library and Information Science and Mr. Ajala Abraham Ajadi who is the immediate past head of department in Department of Office Technology and Management (OTM).

While expressing her gratitude, Dr. Ogungbamigbe said it's a great win for all. She continued by reeling praises to God and thanks to colleagues who have come out en masse to vote for her. 

She continued that all her manifestos will be worked towards immediately, with each department's grieving enjoying equal attention.

BE DILIGENT AND COMMITTED TO YOUR DUTY - FATOGUN ADMONISHES CORPS MEMBERS

The Assistant Director Corps Inspection And Monitoring Branch, Mr Jimmy Fatogun has admonished the 202l Batch B stream 2 corps members to be diligent and committed in carrying out their assignment during the service year.

 He gave this counsel at the multipurpose hall of the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp Ede on Friday.

In his lecture, Fatogun spoke about the expectations from Corps Members at their Places of Primary Assignment (PPA) stating that they are supposed to give their maximum input and remain consistent in carrying out the responsibilities assigned to them.

Speaking about the importance of being punctual to duty, Mr Fatogun said they must always be at their PPA on time, and advised them not to be away from work, as such an absence could lead to an extension or repeat of the service year depending on the length of absence.

While emphasising the roles of the Local Government Inspectors (LGIs), he stated that they are in charge of Corps Members once at their PPA, and tasked with the responsibility of monitoring them. He spoke about the Corps Liaison Officers who serve as middle men between the corps members and their Inspectors and encouraged them to establish a good connection with them to make the service year a smooth one.

Mr. Fatogun referred to the youth service scheme as ‘'a human scheme with a human face and a human heart", where Corps Members are given consideration under certain circumstances and as such Corps Members should not be afraid to meet with the officers of the scheme to share their problems.

To conclude, Mr Fatogun advised the members to remain faithful, loyal and true to their employers and the scheme while wishing them a service year filled with love and fulfillment.

Drills Are Designed To Build Up Your Mental Strength - Aboge

The Assistant Director of Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre ( Man 'O' War), Mr Deji Aboge has on Thursday told the 202l Batch B stream 2 corps members at the Permanent Orientation Camp,Ede, that drills are designed to build up the physical and mental strength of individuals and groups alike.

 Aboge gave a breakdown of each drill equipment and the essence of their use in the drill exercise especially as it pertains to the corps members. The Rope Obstacle Course which is the first phase of the drill consists of rope related equipments like the Jacob's ladder, Scrabble net, Gorilla walk, Tension walk amongst others situated in a natural setting.

 The Assault Course is the second phase of the drill carried out on the field. Mr Aboge further stated the laid down rules of the training especially in relation to the corps members' health. He highlighted self confidence, determination, courage, focus, strength of character and teamwork as the goal of getting involved in the drills.

According to him, corps members can acquire mental, physical and intellectual development through their involvement in the entire process.

 Finally, he stated the importance of the training centre to the NYSC stating that it partners successfully with the scheme to ensure discipline and it has a robust relationship with security agencies in the country. The entire drill though vigorous was conducted with the corps members safety as a priority through the assistance of trained personnel.

NYSC Osun State SAED Kick-starts Intensive Hands-On Training

The Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Branch, NYSC Osun State has kicked off her hands-on training on Thursday after the official flag off ceremony and two days Entrepreneurship Development Program lecture.

The Head of SAED, Mrs Olowo Abosede intimated the corps members on the importance of the in-camp and post camp training adumbrating the various skills available for the members to learn. She advised them yet again to leverage on the SAED initiative to pick up life transforming skills capable of setting them off on the path of wealth creation. 

Speaking further on the Importance of the in-camp and post camp program, she informed the Corps Members that they would receive certification upon completion of the second phase of the program, which would serve as an asset to them. She mentioned that the in-camp training is free while the fees for the post camp training has been greatly subsidized only for corps members by SAED accredited trainers. She urged them to take advantage of the program during their service year.

She went on to list the benefits of SAED, including the fact that it would help them stay relevant and be in greater control of their finances through multiple streams of income.

The various skills to be learnt include: electrical installations, aluminum work, solar energy, tie and dye, leatherwork, food processing and preservation, cosmetology, ICT, among others.

Corps members were seen participating fully in their various classes to get the best from the training session.

Be Rightly Informed, Okundaye Tells Corps Members

The Assistant Director Press and Public Relations Unit, Mrs Okundaye Funmi, has informed the 2021 Batch B Stream 2 Corps Members that the acquisition of the right information will guide them throughout their service year.

In her lecture at the multipurpose hall of the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede, on Thursday, she defined Public Relations as "a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationship between organizations and their publics."

 Mrs Okundaye stated that as the stakeholders of NYSC, Corps Members are expected to project the image of the scheme through proper channels. She added that the channels are gateways to promoting the growth of the Unit and the scheme at large.

 She further maintained that the Director General and the State Coordinator of the NYSC are the chief image projectors of the scheme at the national and state levels respectively.

 According to her, the Orientation Broadcasting Service (OBS), the Editorial and FOIA CDS groups are domiciled in the Unit.

Furthermore, she highlighted the responsibilities of the Unit to include: handling the publications of the scheme, handling protocol matters, projecting the image of the scheme through the engagement of the various media platforms, handling ID card matters of corps members, among others. 

To further prepare the minds of the Corps Members on how to be kept abreast of happenings in the scheme, she introduced and enlightened them on the importance of perusing the Osun kopa Magazine, and "The News", an NYSC publication made to capture all NYSC related activities nationally.

She concluded by stating that the Public Relations Unit is involved in publicity, new media and publications, charging Corps Members to be beware of the groups they join on social media and the information they post, while wishing them a rewarding service year.

OSUN NYSC Receives COVID-19 Vaccine

The NYSC Osun State has received the Austrazeneca vaccine from the Federal Ministry of Health which is in line with the directive from the government to ensure that Nigerians are vaccinated to ensure safety of all and sundry.

On announcing the availability of the COVID-19 vaccines on Thursday at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Osun State, Ede, interested Corps Members trooped in to receive their shots of the vaccine.

According to an NCDC Official, Dr. Ademola Ayoola, who was present at the vaccination stand to oversee the process, he said the vaccine which had been issued free-of-charge to the Corps Members for adequate protection and prevention against the virus should forestall a breakout of the virus in camp as much as possible.

Furthermore, Dr. Ayoola explained that the vaccines will be beneficial  to the Corps Members who took them, in that the green card issued to them after the vaccination process is a required document for international travels.

Mr. Ayoola debunked the superstitious and population reduction misconceptions surrounding the collection of vaccines against diseases and viruses, opining that there has not been a time where vaccination was readily accepted by the masses but that it was needful for their protection and wellbeing citing former happenings with diseases and viruses such as measles, yellow fever and meningitis. 

He reiterated that the vaccines issued for protection against the virus are scientifically tested and proven safe, adding that the sources and countries that supply the vaccines are well-known and can be trusted.

Conclusively, one of the Corps Members, a beneficiary of the vaccination, Aniagolu Ikenna Kizito, stated that he felt fulfilled, knowing that he is safe.

Adegoke Enjoins Corps Members To Follow Laid Down Channel Of Communication

The NYSC Osun State Coordinator Mr Ayodele Adegoke has enjoined the 2021 Batch B Stream 2 Corps Members to always follow the prescribed channel of communication during the service year.

He made this known while delivering a lecture on NYSC Acts and Bye-Laws at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede on Thursday.  

He exposed the members to the Acts and Bye laws regulating the affairs of the scheme as well as the code of conduct for Corps Members right from the orientation course to the Winding up and Passing out.

While interacting with them, he explained to them that the service year is a unique period of time in the lives of young people and there is a need to set boundaries and uphold sanity hence the establishment of the rules.

Adegoke noted that NYSC was established on the 22nd of May 1973 with the purpose of ensuring Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation in the of a nation distabilized by the civil war. The youths became the focal point for the achievement of the 3-Rs for the establishment of the scheme.  

He further said that the Law is divided into 23 sections which he enlightened the corps members on.

On the set of people disqualified from the service year, the NYSC Boss spoke on the following: been above 30 years of age, served for over 9 months in the military, police or security service, someone who had being conferred with National Honours are exempted from participating in the NYSC scheme. 

 Adegoke encouraged the Corps Members to do away with the idea of absconding from service, as it leads to the repetition of service with sterner punishment.

He also enlightened the corps members on the functions of the NYSC Governing Board at the three tiers of governance, the Director General, zonal and local government inspectors and the corps liaison officer, laying emphasis on the key roles they play in ensuring the smooth operations of the activities of the scheme at all levels.

He also reminded them of the need to be security conscious and to avail themselves of the various tips and phone numbers in the service guide they were given especially in times of distress.

He ended by admonishing them to be law abiding at all times and to serve faithfully to the best of their abilities.

Fagbemi Sensitizes Corps Members On SERVICOM

The NYSC Osun State SERVICOM Schedule Officer, Mr Olugbenga Fagbemi has sensitized the 202l Batch B stream 2 corps members on SERVICOM informing them that it means Service Compact, and is an initiative founded by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in order to promote efficiency and effectiveness in public services offered to Nigerians.

In his address to Corps Members at the Permanent Orientation Camp Ede, on Wednesday he informed them that SERVICOM serves as a platform where complaints can be attended to and as a watchdog dog for strict adherence to laid down regulations.

He enumerated the core values of SERVICOM to include patriotism, integrity, efficiency, commitment, discipline and respect. He highlighted the Dos and Don'ts for Corps Members, such as desisting from defacing the uniform, attending all official activities, adhering strictly to COVID-19 rules, among others.

In an attempt to help Corps Members take proactive steps when faced with challenges, Fagbemi encouraged them to directly approach NYSC officials with complaints they may have or drop their complaints into one of the SERVICOM boxes around the camp.

"Corps Members are free to register their complaints with the SERVICOM office and are assured of a favourable response" he concluded.

Corruption is a resident evil in present day Nigeria – ICPC

The 2021 Batch B Stream 2 Corps Members had an exclusive session with the ICPC representative, Ms. Ingobro Winifred, as she lectured them on the effects of corruption on present day vibrant Nigerian youths where she informed them that it is a resident evil amongst them.

She defined key terms such as ICPC and corruption. In her words, "corruption can either be active or passive, and Nigerian youths are not expected to excuse themselves from the present day resident evil". 

Furthermore, she highlighted the mediums and effects of corruption including tribalism, nepotism, favouritism, among others. 

Moreso, Winifred urged the members to take up the mantle of change and not take part in or fund any means of corruption. She also encouraged them to open up to the right authorities and take up positions in order to foster change. 

Additionally, she listed the three mandates of ICPC: enforcement, preventive methods, national ethics and integrity policy, while detailing their policies and effective functionality applied in order to correct certain ills and foster change. 

"The Anti-corruption CDS group is for people who are passionate about fighting against corruption," she added.

She went on to implore the Corps Members to join the group, suggesting that they can organise talks and seminars in their various places of primary assignment to sensitize young people on why they should shun corrupt practices.

Account Branch Sensitizes Corps Members On Financial Entitlements

Mr Tunde Adedeji of the NYSC Osun State Account Branch has sensitised the 202l Batch B Stream 2 Corps Members on their financial entitlement and allowances throughout the one year mandatory service to the nation. 

He gave his lecture at the Multipurpose Hall of the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede, on Wednesday.

During the sensitisation which took place on Wednesday at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede, Mr Adedeji took the members through an expository tour of the various allowances accrue to them right from the orientation course to the end of the service. According to him, corps members are entitled to transport, local and monthly allowance and some other financial entitlements with conditions attached.

He laid emphasis on the compulsory monthly biometric capturing for the Corps Members, stating that without active attendance and participation in CDS programmes and commitment to place of primary assignment corps members may be denied the opportunity to thumbprint which will lead to a loss of allowance.

Conclusively, he encouraged the Corps Members to be prudent in spending the allowances given to them, both on Camp and during the course of their service year.

We Can Have A Society Free Of Drug Offences, NDLEA Officer Tells Corps Members

The Head of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on camp, SN Abdulrauf Danjuma, while enlightening the 2021 Batch B stream 2 Corps Members on drug abuse and its attendant effects, made it known that the society can be free from drug offences. 

In his lecture on Wednesday, Danjuma expounded what drug abuse entails, defining drug as "any liquid or solid substance, capsule or tablet, or injection, when taken into the body, either by injecting or oral intake changes the function of the body". 

"Drug misuse is the intake of drugs out of prescription," he added.

Speaking further, SN Danjuma highlighted the factors responsible for drug abuse, such as peer group pressure, ignorance, availability of the substance, environmental influence, parental involvement in drugs, among others.

In addition, he went on to emphasise the steps to take in living a drug-free life, including staying focused, reverencing God, respecting constitutional authorities and setting goals for oneself. 

He warned Corps Members against engaging in drug abuse as it has adverse effect on the individual, family and the society at large. According to him, drugs abuse cause brain and liver damages, anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, loss of jobs, family issues and even suicidal tendencies.

Conclusively, SN Danjuma stated that most of the drugs advertised on social media are harmful to health, and as a result, should be taken only on prescription by physicians.

Get A Skill, Get Empowered- Senator Basiru Tells Corps Members

The Senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District, Dr. Ajibola Surajudeen Basiru has told the 202l Batch B stream 2 corps members that the acquisition of a skill is an essential route towards getting empowered and obtaining financial freedom.

He made this disclosure on Wednesday during his visit to the Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede.

According to him, the economic melt down and increased inflation rate has made getting a white collar job very challenging. It becomes expedient therefore for Corps Members to skillfully equip themselves, so they also can create job opportunities for others around their environment.

Speaking further on the importance of skill acquisition, Senator Basiru highlighted the contrast between the increased cost of living across the country and the source of livelihood to the common man. He therefore advised that Corps members take seriously the skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development program offered to them which he described as one of the best initiative of the scheme. According to him, the initiative has assisted the government to keep the country's graduate youths off the street as they through it are becoming self reliant and gainfully engaged while scouting for a job. He urged them not to be idle "for the decisions you take now will influence your future ".

Highlighting the chaos in society today, the serving senator charged the corps members to be custodians of change at all times irrespective of the surrounding influences.

Furthermore, Dr Basiru enjoined all corps members present to ensure they fulfill the core mandate of the scheme which is national integration and unity through cultivating positive friendships and relationships as according to him, the scheme made it possible for him to meet his wife Barr. Ajibola Oghale, whom he met during his youth service.

He ended by advising them to stay safe, be productive and live lives worthy of emulation as they go through their service year.

Earlier, the NYSC Osun state Coordinator, Mr Ayodele Adegoke expressed his delight at the privilege to host the Spokesperson of the ninth Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman committee on Media and Public Affairs of the Senate. He appreciated the Senator for showing commitment to activities of the scheme and therefore solicited for continued partnership to help the scheme achieve all its targets in the State.

Right Values System Set Society Aright- NOA Official Tells Corps Members

The Deputy Director of the National Orientation Agency, Osun State Branch, Mr Adeyemi Afolabi, has told the 202l Batch B stream 2 Corps Members that the right set of value system sets society aright. He enlightened them on value reorientation, and the need to be disciplined around the right values.

The reorientation lecture took place at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede, Osun State, on Wednesday.

Adeyemi spoke on the need to live a balanced life which according to him can only be achieved through having the right set of values.

He noted that values form important part of culture in the society and should be esteemed highly. 

To put the lecture in perspective, he highlighted the right values that youths are expected to imbibe such as accountability, honesty, humanity, dignity of labour, tolerance, amongst others. 

In addition, he said that the Get-Rich-Quick Syndrome among the youths is primarily caused by wrong values and is responsible for many vices which are negatively impacting upon the society. 

Laying more emphasis on the transfer of civic knowledge to rural areas, Mr. Adeyemi said that the National Orientation Agency has offices in all the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria, and as well as outreaches to schools in the rural areas. He added that the Primary Schools have Civic Education as a subject to help inculcate the right values in them.

To bring his lecture to a halt, he urged Corps Members to shun wrong values and embrace the right ones, so that they can have a society which they will be proud to call theirs.