By Christian Ogbonna
Kiaiama, (Bayelsa) – Members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) have been advised to respect the traditions and cultures of their host communities to guarantee peace and security.
Brig.-Gen Suleiman Kazaure, Director- General of the NYSC, gave the advice on Wednesday after inspecting the orientation camp in Kaiama, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa.
The D-G was represented by Mrs Josephine Okuonghae, Director of Corps Welfare and Inspectorate, NYSC Headquarters, Abuja.
He explained that respecting the host community’s core values was pertinent to promoting the objectives of the scheme.
Kazaure advised corps members to be patriotic by contributing to the unity of the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Batch ‘A’ corps members’ are at present undergoing orientation at their various camps that would end on Aug. 15.
“Though, you are still in camp; I must advise you to obey and respect the traditions of your host communities where you will be posted for your one-year primary assignment.
“When you go to your places of primary assignments, do not show them that you are more superior to them; you must not make a mockery of the culture of the people.
“Always respect the culture of the people which is the totality of their way of life. By doing so, you integrate with other Nigerians, appreciate their way of life and that justifies the establishment of the scheme.
“As you continue to live and abide by the rules in the camp, try to avail yourselves of opportunities for self-employment through the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Development programme,’’he said.
Kazaure, who also inspected facilities in the camp said he was impressed with the structure and commended the state government for supporting the scheme.
On welfare of corps members, Kazaure disclosed that plans were underway to demand for improved allowances for corps members across the country.
Earlier, the NYSC Coordinator in Bayelsa, Mrs Loto Bolade, said steps had been taken to make corps members comfortable despite the temporary nature of the orientation camp in the state.
Bolade said that the orientation camp had been hitch-free with the officials working diligently toward ensuring a total success.
“The corps members have shown high degree of discipline, motivation and patriotism.
She thanked the D-G for the supply of 200 double-bunk beds for adequate accommodation for corps members in the camp.
She, however, appealed to the D-G to approve the purchase of 3, 000 life jackets to the scheme in Bayelsa as over 80 per cent of the state falls within the coastal area.
Bolade also commended some private organisations in the state for their support to the scheme (NAN)