NYSC guides corps members against contracting coronavirus in camps

• Opens screening points in Kaduna as Bayelsa gov Diri lauds scheme

The National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) has disclosed that it is doing everything possible to guide and guard corps members against contracting the dreaded coronavirus disease in camps across the country.

Consequently, after the Plateau State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Nimkong Ndam confirmed that 43 persons were quarantined in Wase Council Area for investigations to forestall the spread of COVID-19, it announced preventive measures to guard against contacting the disease in camp.

The NYSC in the state to which 2, 116 corps members were deployed, revealed at its permanent orientation camp at Mangu that it has provided thermometers, hand sanitisers, wash-hand basins and soap in strategic locations at the camp.

Addressing the 2019 Batch A corps members during their swearing-in ceremony, State Coordinator, Caroline W. Embu, assured their parents and guardians that the scheme has partnered with the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) and Ministry of Health, as it was alive to its responsibility of catering to the welfare and well-being of graduates deployed to the state.

“The scheme is also in constant touch with the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and the Federal Ministry of Health for technical support, while providing sensitisation and updates to provide requisite information on the deadly virus and how to prevent infection.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Professor Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, enjoined corps members to remain in the state as their safety and general well being remained government’s priority.

Besides, in an effort to prevent unforeseen circumstances, the NYSC has screening points for corps members and other persons who interact with them to check the spread of coronavirus at the permanent orientation camp in Kaduna State.

It admonished the corps members to imbibe good respiratory hygiene as Infrared thermometers, hand sanitisers, wash hand basins and soaps had been provided at the entrance of the Black Gold orientation camp, Kaduna, where staff members and visitors were sanitised before being allowed access into the camp.

Declaring the orientation course open on behalf of Governor Nasir El-Rufai yesterday, Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hafsat Baba, reassured corps members, especially those coming to the state for the first time, of their security throughout the service year.

Meanwhile, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, presided over the swearing-in ceremony of 1,600 Batch ‘A’ Stream One corps members and applauded the scheme for fostering unity among Nigerians despite its diverse culture, languages and tribes.

Speaking at the NYSC permanent orientation camp at Kiama in Kolokuma/Opokuma Council Area, he said since its establishment in 1973, the NYSC has been laying enduring legacies due to its pivotal role in nation building.

“I also believe that the scheme is a powerful and veritable tool for nation building and fostering unity, which was why it is sustained till today considering a country like ours that is rich in various ethnic and tribal cultures,” he said.