NYSC mobilises 66,000 for 2020 batch B orientation exercise

Some 66,000 graduates are being mobilised for the 2020 Batch B orientation of the National Youth Service Corps, which begins Tuesday.

The mandatory one-year national service has stalled for recent graduates on account of the COVID-19 lockdown

The camp activities are taking place in three streams which are:

• Stream 1a Tuesday, 10th to Monday, 30th November, 2020,
• Stream 1b Thursday, 3rd to Tuesday, 22nd December, 2020
• Stream 2 Tuesday, 5th to Monday, 25th January, 2021.

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NYSC director-general Brig-Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim told a briefing in Abuja that the scheme has put in place essential measures in all orientation camps nationwide in line with the protocols for the safety of corps members and other members of the camps community.

According to him, the measures which have been endorsed by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) includes testing the corps members and camp officials for COVID-19 by NCDC officials before they proceed to the camp.

He said provisions of hand washing points with adequate supply of water, liquid soap and sanitizer have been made, adding that, the population of participants of each stream have been limited to a manageable size.

He said the beds in the hostels have been spaced in order to comply to the social distancing protocol as well as the increase in registration points of the graduates.

He said there would be strict usage of face mask by all persons on the camp and total adherence to the COVID-19 rules on camp.

Ibrahim noted that the camp clinics have been strengthened to ensure sustained monitoring of body temperature of all participants, adding that, all camps have been fumigated and decontaminated.

He stated that cleaning teams have been assigned to carry out continuous cleaning of toilets and decontamination of frequently touched surfaces such as door and tap handles.

On the enlightenment strategy put in place to sensitise corps members on the COVID-19 protocols, Ibrahim said there would be face-to-face sensitization of corps members, course officials and camp market vendors, corps members would be sent bulk SMS and there would be airing of jingles at the camp broadcasting stations.

He added that there would be display of information, education and communication materials as well as establishment of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases awareness vanguard and training of volunteers.

Ibrahim disclosed that most of the activities which takes place in camp have been reduced down as well as the activities of the mami market.

On the attack of the camp by hoodlums searching for palliatives, he said 43 culprits were arrested immediately, 10 were arrested later hence more arrest were still on going.

He said the uniforms produced for corps members which were stolen and returned would not be given to the Corps members again hence the would be given new ones.

Ibrahim commended the NCDC for donating testing kits worth million yo the NYSC with will be used to test corps members and camp officials as well as help to prevent the spread of the virus.

On his part, Director General, Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekeazu said a second phase of lockdown was imminent but it could be avoided by the collective efforts and corporation of Nigerians.

He said assessments have been carried out on the camps nationwide to ensure that the camps were safe hence testing kits for compulsory test have been distributed across the camps nationwide.

Ihekeazu noted that all the prospective corps members have been informed on their call up letters on the safety measures to follow when they get to camp.

He said all international graduates coming into the country to were informed to go for seven days compulsory isolation hence he was sure that they would have been done with it and were ready to resume camp.

He said the COVID-19 test was free for every corps member hence, corps members should ensure they all adhere to all the safety rules and as well hold each other responsible.

He appealed to corps members that at any point they were under going the test and there was any delay, they should be patient rather than take to social media to criticise the process.