Our Correspondent|24 January 2020
Issues on how to sustain formidable working relationship between the National Youth Service Corps scheme in Cross River state and the Nigerian Army, formed the main discuss recently during a courtesy visit to the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army Headquarters, Akim, Calabar by the NYSC management NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
In his speech, The Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. OT Olatoye affirmed that the NYSC scheme should expect nothing below standard from the Brigade as their aim has always been to keep improving across all assignments, citing the NYSC Members as persons who deserve critical attention from all security organizations in the Country.
“We should not do less for the scheme. so, expect more from us and I want you to be rest assured that we will do our best in maintaining a cordial relationship between the NYSC and the Nigerian Army, especially in the areas of providing worthy Officers and Soldiers for the maintenance of Discipline during NYSC Orientation Courses.
“I also want to assure you that we will not relent in providing conducive environment to members of the NYSC in the state and beyond. We appreciate your commendation letters given to our Officers at the end of every Orientation Exercise and I will also implore you never hesitate in reporting whoever that is not upholding the standard”, the Commander asserted.
The Army boss who intimated that the visit shows the respect the scheme has for the Brigade and her desire to sustain the existing relationship noted that the State Coordinator is a friend to the Brigade. He said “Your kind gestures are commendable."
He further called on the NYSC Management to step up Discipline of the Corps Members at the Orientation stage to purge out the mentality of pampered youth. He noted that some parent are to blame for providing excessive comfort to their children to the point of making laziness, the misconduct and childish actions as permanent companions to our youth. The Commander, also decried that all the troubles facing the nation today is as a result of the fast eroding values systems across all regions . He therefore charged the Coordinator and all concerned to ensure the prompt revival of the essence of establishing the scheme.
Earlier, State Coordinator of NYSC Cross River, Eddy Megwa appreciated the Commander for his supports to the NYSC in the state. He lauded him for the transformations that have taken place in the Brigade under his watch.
He commended him for always sending trusted Officers to the NYSC during Orientation Programmes, especially the last Camp Commandant, Captain JT Dauda and his Soldiers for being reliable and role models. He called on the Commander to ensure that such type of Officers are always sent to the NYSC during Orientation trainings.
“I also want to bring to your knowledge that your Brigade is one of the highest Corps Employers in the state. I also thank you for your fatherly roles to Corps Members sent to you. You have accorded them great privileges and maximum security”, Megwa stated.
He also reminded the Commander of the review for ceremonial Passing Out Parade for subsequent batches, requesting for the release of Officers to train the Corps Members whenever the call comes.
Megwa further informed the Commander of the position of the NYSC Bye Laws which sought to tackle erring Corps Members as the scheme does not tolerate any negative conduct. He frowned at the reports of some Corps Members who abused the privelleges given to them by the Brigade, assuring that those involved will be treated in accordance to the requirements of the NYSC Bye Law and Act.
Highlights were the exchange of souvenirs by the the Commanding Officer and the state Coordinator as well as group photographs.
