Jonathan, At NYSC Swearing-in, Urges Joint Action Against Insecurity

Goodluck-JonathanEnugu Raises Pay For Corps Members

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday called for collective vigilance and commitment of all patriotic Nigerians to addressing the security challenges facing the country in recent times.

The call was contained in an address read on his behalf at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2012 Batch A National Youth Service Corps members across the country. He reassured Nigerian youths of his

administration’s commitment to providing enabling environment that would allow them blossom and optimize their potentials to drive the national transformation agenda.

According to Mr. President, “A key element of the Subsidy

Reinvestment and Empowerment (SURE) programme is the provision of massive employment opportunities across the country for our teeming youths”. He charged the NYSC members to be security conscious and brace up to tackle the present security situation in the country, which according to him, can only be overcome through collective vigilance and committed efforts of all patriotic citizens.

In the address read by the Deputy Governor of Jigawa State Alhaji Mamoud Gumel, President Jonathan said: “I implore you to take very seriously the security tips contained in the pamphlets which have been packaged for you by the NYSC management.  As you commence your one year service today, I implore you to exhibit the highest degree possible of loyalty dedication, discipline and commitment to national ideals.”

He noted that the scheme has served its purpose of driving national integration, adding that it has also helped in harnessing and mobilising creative and productive energies of the youth of Nigeria for national development. The president challenged the corps members to work hard to surpass the record of their predecessors whom he said were instrumental to the success of the 2011 election. “I enjoin you to freely integrate with members of your host communities and actively participate in their developmental efforts,” he said.

Meanwhile, Governor Sullivan Chime has ordered immediate increase in allowances of corps members serving in Enugu State from N4,000 to N10, 000.

Coordinator of the NYSC in the state Elder Joshua Olowuokere, who announced this during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2012 Batch ‘A’ corps members deployed to the state at their camp in Awgu also commended Chime for approving the building of an additional hostel accommodation in the camp

He promised to apply the Federal Government’s new posting policy for the new corps members, adding that in line with the policy, the corps members would henceforth be posted to serve only in four key areas namely education, rural health, agriculture and infrastructure.

In a brief address, Chime assured the corps members of their safety in Enugu State, adding that his administration would continue to provide them with necessary facilities to enable them have a hitch free orientation course.

At the event in Ekiti State held at the Orientation Camp, Ise/Orun – Ekiti, Governor Kayode Fayemi who was represented by his Deputy, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka, said certain percentage of the proceeds from petroleum subsidy would be used to advance the course of youths empowerment.