The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has presented two corps members to the Bauchi State government for an award of Distinguished Service.

The state Coordinator of NYSC, Namadi Abubakar stated this in Bauchi on Thursday, during the Passing out Parade of the 2021 Batch B stream 1 corps members in the state.

According to him, the corps members, Wisdom Okeoghene with NYSC number BA/21B/1176 and Abdullahi Mubarak with BA/21B/0023, earned the prerequisites to be recognised with national awards.

ABN TV reports that based on the carrot and stick approach of the scheme, five others got their service years extended by two months as a result of various offences committed during their service year.

He said this service extension would serve as a deterrent and compel others with an unserious mind to sit up and remain diligent while the award would also encourage others to be up and doing.

“In line with the policy of the scheme to reward hard work and dedication to duty, two corps members who distinguished themselves in the rendition of their national service have been presented to the state government for the bestowal of the State Award for distinguished service.

“My dear corps members, it is my earnest and sincere hope that you have learnt the lesson intended by this carrot and stick policy of the scheme that all manners of reward abound, including rewards for hard work and indolence.

“So for those who performed creditably during the service year, I wish to tell you that your period of hard work has just begun, and for those who failed to live above board as expected, this is the time to start on a new slate,” he said.

Abubakar thanked the Bauchi State government, the security agencies, community leaders, corps employers and other stakeholders who made the service year a success for the corps members.

In his address, the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed said the people of the state, whom the corps members had served meritoriously in the last twelve months, appreciated and applauded their laudable contributions toward the socio-economic development of their communities.

The Governor was represented at the event by Mr Bako Abubakar, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

He reiterated that the state government would continue to provide the necessary support needed to create the enabling environment for the managers of the scheme and corps members in the state to effectively discharge their duties.

No fewer than fifteen corps members out of the 1,831 that participated in the 2021 Batch B, Stream 1 service year were sanctioned for alleged misconduct and other offences.

Seven out of the defaulting corps members had their service year extended due to absenteeism, while eight others are to start afresh for absconding from the compulsory national assignment.

The Bayelsa State Government, however, reassured the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) of its continued support for the scheme to achieve its set objectives in the state.

Governor Douye Diri gave the assurance during the passing out parade ceremony of the 2021 Batch B, Stream 1 corps members held at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Governor Diri, who was represented at the ceremony by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, pledged commitment to improved welfare and security of corps members posted to the state for the mandatory one-year service.

He said Bayelsa ranks among the best in terms of monthly remuneration and other welfare packages for youth corps members because of the importance the state government accords to the national civic duty.

The Bayelsa Chief Executive described the scheme as the shining light of the nation, which boasts of highly educated and patriotic youths, explaining that NYSC represented the country’s hope for a united, peaceful and egalitarian society.

He charged the corps members to remain diligent and patriotic, and to avoid actions that would bring shame to themselves, their families and the NYSC Scheme.

The Governor said Bayelsa was home to all Nigerians and insisted that Corps members who had just completed their national service were at liberty to stay back in the state to pursue their personal and legitimate goals.

He charged them to make the best use of the vocational skills they had acquired during their service year and be good ambassadors of Bayelsa State wherever they go.

“Our government will accord the NYSC Scheme all the necessary support it needs to achieve the objectives of the scheme, while also giving our commitment to the improved welfare and security of corps members still in service. As you get set to be demobilized from service today, (Thursday), I charge you to remain diligent and patriotic. Avoid any action that will bring shame to your families and the NYSC”.

“Let me assure those of you that wish to stay back in the state that Bayelsa State will continue to be a home for you all. For those of you that will return to your states of residence, I charge you to be good ambassadors of Bayelsa State. Tell your people the good stories of this state that had become your home in the past year and whenever you have the opportunity of giving back, don’t forget Bayelsa State”, he said.