The Batch Stream 2 corps members posted to Bauchi State for the mandatory one-year national service have been assured that COVID-19 vaccine is safe and those yet to take the vaccine should do so without any delay.
Shuaibu Ibrahim, the director-general, National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, gave the assurance on Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at the swearing-in of the 1,600 Batch C Stream 2 corps members at the NYSC permanent orientation camp at Wailo, in Ganjuwa Local Government Area of the state.
According to the DG, who was represented at the occasion by the Bauchi State NYSC Coordinator, Alhaji Namadi Abubakar, taking the vaccine would make the corps members safe.
Ibrahim informed that the Federal Government had made COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for Nigerians, adding that it had revealed plan to make presentation of evidence of being vaccinated by civil servants a prerequisite before gaining access to public offices as from 1st December, 2021.
He added that due to the fact that the rule may apply to corps members at their places of primary assignment, they should take the vaccine immediately.
“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 their places of primary assignment. Of greater significance is the fact that the vaccine will keep you safe,” General Ibrahim said.
He revealed that NYSC was in touch with relevant authorities to ensure that the vaccines were made available to corps members in the course of the programme.
He then expressed appreciation to those who contributed to ensure the success of the orientation programme within the context of “new normal”.
According to the DG, “I would like to express our profound gratitude to the Presidential Steering Committee on Covid-19 and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control whose support and guidance is facilitating the safe and efficient conduct of the orientation course within the context of the “new normal.”
“Our appreciation also goes to other stakeholders, including the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and the TY Danjuma Foundation who both donated tens of thousands of Rapid Test Kits to the Scheme.
“In the same vein, I thank state Ministries of Health as well as federal and state tertiary health institutions for their support in the areas of COVID-19 prevention and general health services.”
Meanwhile, General Ibrahim has explained that corps members were being deliberately posted out of their comfort zones with a view to broadening their understanding of the country.
He said that NYSC deployment was aimed at placing corps members in good stead for effective contribution to the promotion of national unity and integration.
While urging the corps members to advising them ensure healthy interactions, exchange ideas and build lasting friendships with a view to advancing the progress of a united Nigeria, the NYSC boss admonished them to always be security conscious during and after their service year.
