The National Youth Service Corps has reopen orientation camp in Akwa Ibom state after seven months closure occasioned by Covid-19 pandemic.
The swearing in ceremony of the 2020 batch ‘b’ stream 1A corps members on Monday at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai LGA, had no fewer than 567 corps members in attendance.
Our Correspondent gathered that out of the total number, 283 were males and 284 were females.
Speaking, the state Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel tasked the newly sworn-in corps members in the state to adhere strictly to Covid-19 guidelines to protect themselves from the virus currently ravaging the world.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs Mary Bassey, the Governor commended measures adopted by the NYSC management to minimize the level of interaction among corps members in the camp.
He urged them to always ensure to wear facemask, observe regular hand washing and practice social distancing at all times.
Emmanuel ordered that the ongoing camp clinic be immediately completed and also be stock with necessary equipment and materials before December orientation course.
“My dear corps members, ladies and gentlemen, I am convinced that we are not unaware of the ravaging consequences of Covid-19 Pandemic. This is a disease that has killed over a million people globally. Its devastating effect on economies around the world needs not be overemphasized.
“I charge you therefore, to complement the efforts of all tiers of government aimed at containing the spread. This, you would do by ensuring strict compliance to basic safety protocols of wearing facemask, regular washing of hands and physical distancing.
“I commend all measures adopted by NYSC management to minimize interaction in camp. This gave rise to drastic reduction in corps participants and camp officials in this orientation programme.
“No effort must be spared to ensure adequate provision of facilities that will guarantee the well-being of all camp participants. Accordingly, I hereby direct immediate completion of the camp clinic and stock with necessary equipment and materials that will make it fully functional before commencement of the next orientation course in December,” he said.
The Governor urged the management to cooperate with the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC, officials deployed to enforce operational guidelines in the camp.
Our Correspondent gathered that at the close of registration which commenced on Thursday last week and spanned for a period of six days due to Covid-19 safety protocol, a total of 567 corps members were registered.
In his remarks, the state Coordinator of NYSC, Julius Amusan commended the Governor for providing an enabling environment for the scheme to thrive.
Amusan said the orientation exercise was conducted under strict adherence to Covid-19 safety protocol, adding that the scheme had deployed NCDC officials into the camp to enforce Covid-19 standards.
He appealed to Gov Emmanuel to render support possible towards enhancing the welfare of the corps members and camp officials.